On August 24, 2021, the Fossil Ridge Volleyball team opened their season beating the Silver Creek Raptors 3 sets to none. 

The Saber cats looked very calm, starting strong and building momentum. In the first set they were able to string together several runs, as they were able to cruise by 25-12 and gain an early 1 set lead.

The next two sets were more competitive, Fossil never panicked and found ways to stop their opponents’ comebacks. They found ways to keep leads and  never trailed late into sets. Fossil won the second set 25-17 and the third 25-19.

The Saber cats had the power and height advantages throughout the game as they were able to block several returns at the net. The Raptors struggled to keep up with Fossil’s dominant serves.

Fossil was organized with their formations, with every player knowing where to be to make the right play. The team synergy with new coach Natalie Burton helped them get off the right foot with a victory.

A major factor of the Fossil energy in the opening was the red hot crowd. Their noise and cheers grew as the Sabercats added to their lead.

Fossil player Makenzie Hicks, said the team chemistry was a big key to their success.

“I think overall we have really good communication…once we get back in the groove we definitely kill it,” Hicks said.

Fossil’s communication and lead allowed them to have some fun on the court, enjoy getting to play volleyball again.

“As we keep the points going up and we get that energy and we just stay in that notion of we’re gonna win,” Hicks said. 

As the Sabercats begin their 2021-22 campaign, they are riding the momentum and look to keep it simple.

“We just need to keep the energy and the communication,” Hicks said.