Panthers Take Season Opener in Straight Sets

The Panthers struggled early to find their offensive groove and found themselves down 13-17 in the thick of the match. Then, sparked by a hitting flurry from sophomore outside hitter Sam "I AM" Andrade, and junior opposite hitter "Rioting" Ryan Keltner, the Panthers jumped ahead 23-20. Then on a heartbreaking teardrop attack to the belly of the Matador defense, the Panthers secured the first set 25-23. The second set found smoother air as junior, libero turned outside hitter, Liam "The Levitator" Lillard came sailing into the match. He quickly helped the Panthers dominate the second set play. The Levitator played well above the net mixing feathery sets, and vicious attacks that challenged the Matador's line defense. The set was also secured behind the outstanding serving and defense play of junior outside hitter Grady "The Baller" Babcock and freshman libero, Reggie "The G" Kim, allowing the Panthers to take the second set comfortably at 25-17. The third set took every Panther scratching and clawing to secure the victory. Trading sideouts until the late teens. The Matadors held a late lead 19-21. Junior middle hitter, "Jumpin'' Jad Amar lasered several kills past the caped defenders to almost tie the match 23-24. Then junior middle hitter , Luka Brusselaers, a.k.a THE BEHEMOTH stymied the Matador's dominant hitters with back to back blocks followed by a critical ace and defensive stand that pushed the math to at 24 all tie. Finally with the first match point of the day Grady, "The Baller" came off the bench to cooly deliver the final point into play. The last set ended like the first with a tear drop attack to finish the match. After the match, Reuben the referee only said. “That one coach had an amazing first day, and that setter is something special.”