Derek's eyes widen as Kurai power serves the ball over the net again. Erik falling forward on his knees but bringing it up. Derek jumps back. 'I'll show you what I can do! I'm the reason Mason County is as strong as it is! If it weren't for me-...' Derek runs forward as the ball appears in front of him. The ball suddenly appears behind him having been blocked by Kaneko and Dougal together.
"Mason County is falling apart down there!" The other man gulps.
"Isn't it a little to early in this game for them to be falling apart?"
"They better get it together cause we're at Kurai's 4th consecutive serve!"
A buzzer goes off LWTHS 22-14 MCHS. Kurai takes a deep breath and tossing the ball. Serving it straight into the net. The score bumping up LWTHS 22-15 MCHS. Kurai gritting his teeth as Kaneko waves.
"Don't mind, Kurai!" Kurai shouts.
"It don't bother me, Kaneko" A whistle blows as Dougal overhand serves the ball. Derek receiving it as James sets it. Eric running up and spiking it past the block. Ajax receiving it as Kurai steps forward. Pain shooting down his knee. 'I won't let my knee force us to forfeit!' Kurai sets the ball as Derek grits his teeth. Following the ball as he runs full speed into someone. Knocking them to the floor as Lucas spikes the ball onto the court with no blockers.
"What just happened down there??"
"It seemed Mason County's Derek ran into James' shoulder trying to block…?"
"Either way, that puts LakeWood Tech at Set Point"
Coach Boone for Mason County holds up a substitution marker as Derek angrily walks off the court. A buzzer blowing. LWTHS: Match point 24-15 MCHS.
A whistle blows as Dougal overhand serves the ball. Eric rushing to set the ball from the first touch shocking Kurai. 'Since when could he do that!?' James jumps up to spike as Kurai jumps up. James setting it to the left where the substitute stood. Running up to the net and spiking as it landed behind him. Marv having blocked him easily.
"There we have it! LakeWood Technical High School takes the first set!!"
Everyone group huddles and shouts in excitement. Rushing over to the bench. Where Russ was waiting for them. Everyone huddling and shouting. Russ smiling.
"You all did amazing!" Kurai nods as Russ continues.
"But for sure, we're exhausted already. So, we must take a new strategy for the second set" Lucas nodded
"That's true… any ideas anyone?" Kurai sighs.
"Their team is falling apart." everyone looks over confused. Russ looking at him.
"What do you mean?" Ajax thinks. 'That's right, with how much Kurai thinks about on that court. Of course he noticed something up with Mason County'
"You saw it Dougal, stripping Derek of his pride after getting blocked over and over is causing him to think rashly, making improper decisions." Russ realizes.
"A rally or two ago, he ran into the setter and hurt him. Do you mean that, Kurai?" Kurai nods and exhales.
"He was too focused on us and not focused enough on his own teammates. If we take advantage of that, we can slowly strip down the teams moral and have them loose their will to keep fighting" Lucas nods.
"The only problem with that plan is Eric, their team captain. He tries his best to hold the team together" Kurai looks out at the court.
"We dedicated the first set to destroying their blocks without realizing. Let's use this second set to destroying the teams lighthouse. Lucas, are you up for the challenge?" Lucas nods. 'It's an impractical way to win a match, but as of right now, it's our best bet'
"Yeah, just tell me what to do" Kurai nods.
"Just play like normal, i'll set everything up. It all depends on what you say" Lucas nods.
"Got it" Russ nods.
"Good luck on the second set ya'll" everyone shouts in agreement as they put their hands in the middle.
"We are LakeWood Tech!!" a loud buzzer goes off as they walk onto the court. Russ looking at Kurai. 'It's hard to believe Kurai is a freshman.' Kurai stands on the court as the crowd goes crazy. Stepping up to serve.
"Let the second set, begin!" Kurai tosses the ball after the whistle blows.