Knights Fight Hard but Come Short in Volleyball Tailgate 

Summary: 

The tailgate started at 5 p.m., with ice cream, raffles, prizes, signs, and more for the coming fans. The space outside the gym was crowded with waiting family and friends, excited for the game. The match started an hour later, and the atmosphere was electric as the crowd cheered. The Knights lost the first set but made a thrilling comeback in the second. Though they ultimately lost the match, it was a fun day for Knight's fans!  

How it Happened: 

• The first set was brutal for the Knights. Faith came onto the court strong and maintained control of the ball. The Knights were kept on defensive plays almost the entire time, though they had a short break at their 11th point. Unfortunately, Faith won the first game. 

• Faith again started with the game in their favor, but the Knights stayed right with them. The Knights' momentum seemed to begin to fade, then jump forward. They caught up at the 15th point and finally surpassed Faith with a well-won series of kills. Then Faith caught up. The back and forth had every member of the crowd on their feet. The teams tied at 25, then again at 26. Finally, Janie Wilson won the game with three kills in a row. The Knights' fans went wild with excitement.  

• The morale gained from the second set didn't last long. Faith took control and ran with it. The Knights made several breakthrough moves, getting close but not quite catching up. 

• The fourth set played out similarly to the first and third. Faith started ahead, and the Knights battled to catch up. At the 15th point, the Knights tied with Faith. It looked like the Knights had a chance again, but once Faith took back the ball, there was no gaining on them. Still, the Knights played hard and made their fans proud.  

Highlights: 

• Defense was key against this team, and the Knights knew it. Three players stood out in their digs—Lizzie Deaton with 16 and Janie Wilson and Samantha Dobbs both with 12. 

• Lizzie Deaton and Janie Wilson are usually at the top of offensive stats, but in this game, they were both shining in offensive and defensive plays. Their dig stats are above, and they both had 16 kills.  

• The team maintained their energy and positivity despite the intensity of the match. This energy was best seen in Deaton, Wilson, and Timry Goodman as the star setter kept supporting the Knights' plays.  

Up Next:  

Senior Night for Women's Volleyball was a Knights' win against Kansas Christian College on the 24th. The last home game was on the 31st against Calvary University. Spurgeon fans are sorry to see the season end but proud of their Knights!