After winning 10 of its first 12 matches, the Fairfax High volleyball team has lost three of its last four, including Monday night's straight-set loss to Oakton.
The first set consisted of several back-and-forth point scores in the beginning. After a few minutes of play, the Rebels fell out of touch with one another and fell behind.
A few missed opportunities and poorly launched balls continued to put the Cougars ahead, though the Rebels fought hard to make up lost ground. The lead proved too large and the miscommunication too common, as the Cougars took the first set 25-15.
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The second set marked a serious comeback attempt from Fairfax. Again, the first few minutes were a contentious back-and-forth battle for points.
Fairfax captain Kelsey Phillips pushed her team to fight for the set and made excellent ground, but it was all for naught
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On the other side, Oakton captain Karalee Thomas played a two-woman game with outside hitter Marisa Sheffield, setting up numerous spikes and blocks to give the Cougars a comfortable lead.
Though the Cougar momentum drew to a halt at 24, one point shy of a win, to allow the Rebels to close the gap, Oakton still took the match 25-18.
The third set was the most dynamic. Fairfax, hoping to grab the win, geared up and took the first point right away. But Oakton was right on their tail, grabbing the next score.
On an attempt to block a spike, Fairfax's Andye Belcher injured her ankle and had to be carried off the court. When play resumed, Oakton took advantage of the shaken home team and picked up the lead.
An intense rally resumed, and Fairfax was able to stay within strikings distance. The Rebels never fell behind by more than five points, and were able to capitalize on some poor serves and out-of-bounds hits by the Cougars. In the end it was not enough, as Oakton held on to the third set, 25-19, to take the match.
Oakton improved to 8-5 on the season, while Fairfax fell to 11-5. Oakton will next play Washington-Lee on Oct. 14. Fairfax will next play Yorktown on Oct. 6.