The Altamont School and Indian Springs School went head-to-head in a volleyball match on Monday night. Games between Indian Springs and Altamont have always been a source of school-wide excitement, the rivalry going back generations. The contest was held in Altamont’s Patton Gym with many masked students and parents in attendance. Some students donned pajamas to “sleep out Springs.”

Throughout the hour-long game, Altamont’s players executed with deadly determination. Coach Chris Brooks’ report, published in Altamont’s Morning Report, shows the skill of the team: The stat leaders of the night were freshman Maya DeValk with 8 kills, 12 digs, 11 aces, 4 blocks, and 11 assists; sophomore Maya Davis with 5 kills, 4 digs, 2 blocks, and 9 assists; sophomore Helen Ezelle with 6 kills and 4 blocks; and sophomore Mary Carter Laney with 18 digs. 

Their plays never seemed to diminish in strength through the short first set. Our Lady Knights won the first set 25-5 in less than 20 minutes.

But what stood out in their athletic performance was the collaboration between players. Watchful fans were awed by Altamont’s players' ability to support one another through each play. While they were yelling and calling on the court, it seemed that they also were communicating silently. They were able to anticipate each other’s movements so that a ball rarely ever touched the court. 

It was no surprise after seeing their performance on the court that Altamont won each set by a longshot and left Springs’ players scrambling. Altamont won the second and third set 25-13 and 25-9. The teamwork required to not only get the ball over the net but send it over with lethal precision represents the caliber of student athletes at Altamont. 

Our Lady Knights will play again on Saturday, Oct. 16 at Westminster at 1:00 p.m. Regionals, or the Sweet 16, are on Wednesday, Oct. 20 in Huntsville. Game times for Regionals will be disclosed in the Morning Report and on Altamont's website early next week.