LAKEWOOD In her post-match assessment following the teams three-set loss to Archbishop Murphy, Lakewoods Aly Stewart voiced her frustration.
Were not playing up to our potential, Stewart said. We need to come out more focused and learn from our mistakes.
The same inconsistencies from previous matches haunted Lakewood as they struggled through a 5-25, 18-25, 15-25 defeat Sept. 25. Lakewood hit a number of serves out and had difficulty passing to their setter, particularly in the first set.
Outside hitter Peyton Mizell was confused by her teams inconsistency.
I think its more mental than physical, Mizell said. Weve played a lot better earlier in the season than right now. We played well in the Mariner Jamboree and beat some 4A schools.
Right now the team simply isnt clicking on all cylinders. Coach Monica Rooney attributes part of the trouble to passiveness and nerves.
We were tentative in the first game, said Rooney. Then we flipped a switch and came out and competed. We got better throughout the course of the match but we werent aggressive enough from the outset.
In the second and third set the Cougars did make things more interesting. Solid play at the net from Mizell and Amanda Gregory kept them in the hunt for a win. Still, they couldnt find the right groove and win points consecutively.
We believed in ourselves more in the second set, said Rooney. You could see an improvement in the hustle plays.
Its going to take more consistent passing and solid serving to give the Cougars a chance to beat the top teams in the Cascade Conference. Theyll get another chance to show improvement Oct. 4 against Sultan.