The Pana Panthers faced one of their biggest tests of the season Tuesday night as they welcomed Teutopolis to town during Homecoming week. With a packed home atmosphere and an undefeated record on the line, Pana answered the challenge with a strong 2-0 sweep.
The Panthers came out firing in the opening set, controlling the match from the start and taking down the Wooden Shoes 25-13.
Teutopolis came out with more fight in the second set, keeping the Panthers much closer throughout. Pana, however, continued to find ways to make plays when it mattered most, closing out the match with a 25-22 second-set victory.
One of the key contributors for Pana was Phoenix Pope, who finished with 5 kills and 2 blocks on the night.
After the match, Pope talked about the preparation that went into one of the biggest games of the season.
“We’ve been talking about it for weeks, about how much we really, really needed this win and how much we really wanted it,” Pope said. “We’ve been working so hard in practices, and I’m just so happy that we were able to pull it together.”
Pana’s strong first-set performance also helped set the tone for the remainder of the night. Pope said the team’s early success provided plenty of motivation heading into the second set.
“It motivates us really, really well,” Pope said. “Getting them almost in single digits, that was a really amazing thing that got us into the second set.”
With the win, Pana moves to an impressive 20-0 overall record and 2-0 in conference play.
For Pope and the Panthers, the perfect start has been about much more than individual performances. The team’s chemistry and connection have helped carry them through the first 20 matches.
“We all just have such a strong bond in and out of volleyball, and I’m just so proud of all of us,” Pope said. “We’ve come so far within the summer stuff and to now.”
Even with the undefeated record, there were still nerves inside the Pana gym Tuesday night. Pope said the team simply leaned on each other and the support from the home crowd.
“I think we were all still nervous out on the court. It was just a matter of trying to ignore it and knowing that the people that were here for us tonight… they were here to support us, and that’s what mattered.”
20-0.
The Panthers continue to roll, and Tuesday night’s win showed they can handle the pressure when a major test comes to town.
