Those were the only words Frassati Catholic Head Volleyball Coach, Katie Hoff, could find to describe her team's performance after an improbable 5-set rally over Hill Country Christian School from Austin, TX on Thursday, November 27.
The Falcons defeated the Knights (20-25, 9-25, 25-17, 25-22, 16-14) in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 3A playoffs to claim the Area Championship.
The Falcons struggled early in the match, dropping the first two sets.
"All week in practice we really worked on fine-tuning our offense and making it quicker," said Head Coach Katie Hoff. "But in games one and two, our serve-receive and passing was really struggling, and we couldn't get our offense clicking at all. I think the girls came out a little tight, and Austin Hill Country really took advantage of that. But in game three, we really started to loosen up. I told them to get out there, play loose and with confidence, implement our game plan, and have fun."
The momentum finally began to swing the Falcons' way in the third set, and they won the next two to force a fifth and final set.
"Our passing improved and our offense finally came alive, and they never gave up," said Hoff. "We had two 5-setters during district, both of which we won, so the girls have had the experience of sticking it out to the end."
In the fifth set, the Falcons dug an early hole, trailing 2-10. The team closed the gap, but then faced five consecutive match points when they trailed 9-14. The team maintained its composure and won seven straight to complete the comeback and win the match.
"We've never overcome a deficit like we had in that game five," said Hoff. "It was unbelievable."
A major factor in the momentum shift after the second set was the home-court advantage. Frassati Catholic students and fans packed the gym and played a significant role in continually rallying the team.
"Our gym was ridiculous," said Hoff. "There were tons of parents, fans, and students there to cheer us on, and their energy was what carried us through. To look out at the bleachers and see everyone jumping around and yelling their hearts out for us - it really helped us believe that we could do it."
The Falcons play on Tuesday, November 1, against Temple Central Texas Christian at a neutral site at Brazos Christian in Bryan.
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About Frassati Catholic High School: Founded in 2013, Frassati Catholic High School serves the families and parishes in the north Houston area of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation from Nashville, TN, Frassati Catholic High School prepares students to walk on the path of true happiness through a robust college-preparatory curriculum rooted in the Catholic faith. The school currently serves students in grades 9-12. For more information about Frassati Catholic High School, contact Kyle Smith, director of communications, at 832-616-3227.