Gemini junior volleyball girls ‘Beliebers’ in new year’s resolutions

Gemini Avery Haley (left) and Lydia Yarmie (right) share a combined hit against St. Mary’s. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

The Tillsonburg Gemini junior girls’ volleyball team started their Thames Valley Regional Athletics match well against the Woodstock St. Mary’s Warriors Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Glendale.

Unfortunately, their transition to Christmas break came a little early, the Gemini unable to capitalize on a 25-14 second-set victory through a 25-22, 14-25, 25-13, 25-9 match loss to the Warriors.

“We could have done better,” admitted Tillsonburg’s Charlotte Cadman.

The Gemini appeared to have the first set in hand, however St. Mary’s Mikayla Sevewright ran off 12 consecutive serves to power a come-from-behind victory.

Rather than letting the momentum from that disappointing loss carry over into the second set, Tillsonburg came out strongly, better on the first pass, able to mount an attack from there. The resultant 25-14 victory squared accounts at one, setting up a potentially pivotal third set. Trailing early, Gemini coach Krista Ferguson called a time out at an 11-2 deficit, but the Warriors pushed through to a 12-point win. Tillsonburg had a better start in the fourth, however the Warriors responded to regain an 11-7 lead, locking up the match with a 14-2 advantage from there.

Gemini libero Laila Bowman spoke to a lack of cohesion between first pass and attack during the match’s latter sets. Responsibilities looming prior to Christmas break might have been a mentally-distracting factor she theorized, for example, essays to complete ahead of the holidays.

“Just couldn’t find it today,” she said, warming to the idea a Christmas song might have lifted Tillsonburg’s spirits and level of play, suggesting Mistletoe by Justin Bieber.

“I don’t hear that one too often,” said Bowman. “I just like listening to it.

“Maybe if he was here.”

“That would be awesome,” Cadman agreed.

The Gemini pre-Christmas season didn’t finish up as hoped for, however the result did encourage a shared new year’s resolution.

“Come back and win every game,” said Cadman.

“Finish off strong at least,” Bowman concluded.