For the first time in eight years, Kingwood Park topped Kingwood on the volleyball court. The Panthers beat the Mustangs, 3-1, on Aug. 29 at home.  

After winning the gold bracket in a tournaments a week before hosting Kingwood, the Panthers said they were feeling confident. 

“I had full confidence we were winning, so I don’t think I was nervous,” senior Olivia Parker said.

After volleyball camp in the summer and conditioning two weeks before school, the team was expecting to win the annual matchup against the Mustangs. The seniors said that the team created closer bonds this year, which has created chemistry and good communication on the court. 

The game was highly anticipated by students, and the stands reflected that a good crowd, chants and much yelling. The energy on and off the court was noticeable.

After a rough third set that led to Kingwood getting on the board, senior Kaely Evans said she was determined to not let losing the point bring the energy down. The student section, which was led by senior Van Cradic, remained active in the fourth set, helping lift the team to the win. 

 “In the fourth set, when there was one kill that was close to the 10 foot line, everyone started shouting, ‘M.V.P.’” Evans said. “It pumped me up a little bit more.”