Stress

As I walk back to my spot on the court I glance at the scoreboard to see the haunting 21-24 score for the match.  The next point will determine the destiny of the grudge that has been held against Radford University’s volleyball team since they gained their victory over High Point in their home gym earlier this year.  As I lean over to prepare to serve receive the crucial serve, my heart begins to race.  I begin to sweat not because of my effort towards the game but because I know that they next point could end this important match.  Our team’s back is against the wall. Will we respond? A perfect pass spirals into the setters hand that is transferred to a hitter who swings not hard enough.  A dig by Radford makes every person’s heart sink in gym.  I see Radford’s setter go up and send the ball over the towering net to our defense that is caught off guard.  The war is over.  The battle was lost, and the lump in my throat begins to form.