On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the JV Orange volleyball team lost 2-0 against the Vandegrift Vipers. The Lady Warriors put in a lot of team work and carried multiple rallies throughout the game, but in the end it was not enough to beat the crosstown rival Vipers.

“From the last game [We have improved on] just transitioning and knowing where the hitters and hitting,” Lilly Toledo ‘26 said.

The first set ended as quickly as it began, with the Lady Warriors starting off in the lead, but losing it as the Vipers not only matched the Lady Warriors’ intensity but also overtook them and gained a comfortable lead. Toledo had multiple dives and saved more than a couple points, but despite her solid defensive play, the Vipers took over. After a time out, the Lady Warriors were prepared and poised to make a comeback, as the Lady Warriors were down seven with only two goals left to give up. They attempted to prolong the match and draw even with the Vipers, but couldn’t protect their two goal margin for error, losing 25-18

“This game has taught me about hitting around the blockers, and tipping over the block,” Caroline Kiefer ‘26 said. “I think I’ll practice my defense and stay on the line when someone is hitting in the back row.”

In the second set the Lady Warriors were determined to force a third set, with Lila Wellington ‘27 having multiple well-placed sets, multiple saves and was instrumental in assisting on the Lady Warriors’ kills. Both teams had multiple rallies and Chloe Paddock ‘25 spiked the ball to the floor on the Viper’s side giving them little to no time to react, and capturing a point. Both teams were neck-and-neck tied 21-21, leaving it to be anyone’s game. Although the Lady Warriors left everything out on the field in an attempt to save the game, the Viper’s killer sets proved to be too much for the Warriors, ending the set 25-21 and the game 2-0.

“[I prefer] Home games,” Wellington said. “I feel like I do better with everyone watching and being able to show up.”.

The Lady Warriors will play again on Friday, Oct. 6, against the Vista Ridge Rangers at 5:30 on their home court.