The main gymnasium at Fossil Ridge High School was packed with fans and media alike to watch two Division 5A Top 5 teams go head-to-head. Home team Fossil Ridge would normally have the home court advantage but Chaparral High School had already played top-tier teams while Fossil had not played any games yet this season. This put the Sabercats at a disadvantage before they even hit the court and head coach Paul Shimek knew it. Before the game, Shimek said, “We’re at a little bit of a disadvantage because they’ve had two games and two big games already.” Although the game ended with a loss for the Sabercats it is not a defeat for this team or this season.

Already Fossil is ranked in the Top 5 teams for their division and their close game against Chaparral proves just how ready the Sabercats are for this season. In the first set, Fossil started off by scoring the first point of the game and dominated the scoreboard all throughout. Chaparral got some good shots in but never enough to overpower Fossil, who took the set 25-14.

Chaparral was a tough opponent and would not let Fossil take the game that easily. The second set was led by the Wolverines until the last minutes of the set when Fossil tried to climb back up the scoreboard. The Sabercats attempt to take the lead was good but not good enough to win the set, Chaparral won 18-25.

In the third set, it was a constant back and forth between the teams. Within a one or two-point lead during the majority of the set Fossil and Chaparral amped up the intensity with every second that passed. Following a seven-time match point finish, Chaparral took the set 29-27. It was a great set to show the skills of both powerhouse teams so early on in the season, and hopefully, they will face off again down the road.

Both teams dove and blocked to keep the final set within points of a lead just like the third set. The Wolverines and Sabercats kept up an animal intensity until the ball hit the floor for the last time. Unfortunately for Fossil, their disadvantage proved to be their downfall when Chaparral overpowered them to take the game 23-25.

While this loss is their starting mark for the season Fossil will be back on the court Thursday, August 30 at home. Come out and support the Sabercats when they fight for redemption against Erie High School.