One of the most important rematches of the season for Mesa women’s volleyball happened Nov. 3 and resulted in a loss with a close three set game 25-21, 26-24, 25-20. After Fridays win against Palomar (6-4), Mesa (7-2) is keeping their game plan and high winning streak in order to maintain their record. They are now at second place in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) with Grossmont (9-1) in the lead.

Grossmont is just a single loss away from a tie for first in the PCAC if the Olympians maintain a streak of wins throughout the rest of the season, which may not be too unlikely.

Though the outcome of each set remains absolute it was no easy win for Grossmont. Long streaks of single point tradeoffs began early during the first set in a neck and neck race. During the second set came a remarkable comeback from 17-8 to 21-21 and the consecutive seven-point lead during the third set had the Gryphon’s running and calling a series of timeouts.

The Olympians, discouraged by the defeat felt they knew what went wrong and how they could do better.

“We weren’t in it,” said Laura Plumb, the team’s right side. “We let the long runs of points get to us.”

One of the teams more optimistic players is still looking forward to the rest of the season, “I think we still have a shot.”

The Olympians are now looking forward to a long set of wins in the following weeks, and they’ll have to take those games to make it into the playoffs that begin later this month.

“We’re going to have to do our best, absolutely,” said Coach Kim Lester.

Without letting up, practices continued the day after and their resolve is stronger than ever.

When asked how the future matches will fare coach Lester said, “Next match will be tough, if we show up with our head in the game, we expect to win.”

Mesa’s women’s volleyball team is ranked second in the PCAC as of now. Being a decorated and already experienced coach, Kim Lester has already won conference championships for four year. The challenge of ten brand new players at the beginning of this season and taking them this far was no meager accomplishment.

The following year will likely see most of these players come back with the possibility of returning as champions. Odds are good and hopes are bright, and this far into the session every game matters and by the time this story is printed the Wednesday match against Southwestern (1-8) on Nov. 10 will have already occurred. More than likely another win.