Tennent streaks by Souderton
Effortless swings by William Tennent’s outside hitters were a result of strong fundamentals and crisp passing. On Monday it allowed them to slow down the Souderton volleyball team in a 3-0 win E25-11, 25-10, 25-11), WKHLr fiIWK FRnsHFutive victory.
The Panthers E11-4, 6-3) recent hot streak is a benefactor of hard work this fall and last offseason. They are currently putting themselves in the playoff hunt. In the District One playoffs WKHy wLOO ORRk IRr WKHLr firsW postseason win in program history.
“We have made the playoffs six of the last seven seasons,” Panthers’ coach Brian Bassler said. “I think we have established ourselves as one of the teams that will go. We have conditioned ourselves to play with tough teams, we had 17 girls play club, and it has made a huge difference.”
Senior setter Hannah Washam remembers the darker days and is treasuring every time her and teammates take the court. The days as a sophomore setter, where every pass was not on point, reminds her to not overlook an inexperienced team, such as the Indians, wKRP DrH figKWLng WR wLn Ey any means.
“We still need to work on being mentally there for every single game,” Washam said. “Last year we had a whole new varsity team. It takes some time to get used to and I can sympathize with young teams.”
“Everyone is dangerous this time of year,” Bassler said. “Sometimes you don’t know how the younger girls have improved. We cannot take a night off.”
The Indians sophomore setter Cori Watson assisted her squad to a 5-0 start in game one before the Panthers persevered. Senior 0DrLD -RsH (0.-.) AODnLs OHG the way with eight kills, four digs and six kills. Alanis, who transferred as a junior, along with the other seniors have an undeniable chemistry with Washam.
“We are coming together,” Washam said. “We are always there for each other. Since we have been togeth-
er for so long now I know where they like the ball. I think in my head, ‘who will be in position,’ and it makes it easier for them to hit it.”
What was a 5-0 lead for the Indians disappeared with a blink an eye, but they conWLnuHG WR fiJKW. BLJ 5HG sHniors, who have seen the improvements from past years, never expected the 2-10 this season they have been dealt. Captains such as Jen Spause continue to encourage the Indians to keep swinging away.
“The last two weeks are WRuJK, EuW wH KDYH WR finG D way to pull it out,” Indians’ coach Marlena Mussleman said. “Jen is a strong leader and comes into every game wanting to win and wants to play well. We do have a strong junior class, so there are some positives aspects for the future.”
The same encouraging words Spause continues to give to her group, Washam received from seeniors when she was making her varsity debut three seasons ago. The Panthers’ setter has never stopped setting her sights on collecting the coveted playoff win. Washam and the rest of the Panthers have already beaten some of the perennial volleyball powerhouses and are hoping they can stay hot for a few more weeks.
“We are playing very well and in some ways it is a historic run for us,” Bassler said. “We never beat Pennsbury before, we beat West Chester Henderson and we beat St. Basil. We have never won a playoff game, but we are making strides to get in uncharted territory this season.”