Students packed the stands as the sun started to set, readying their cheers for the games ahead of them. Tuesday, September 13th, would mark an important day in Cypress history – a day of rivalry. For the longest time, our Cypress Creek Coyotes and the Wiregrass Bulls have had a rivalry spanning across multiple sports. Volleyball is no different. Excitement zoomed around the air as the Junior Varsity started warming up, the stands slowly filling. Coach Ramirez worked with teammates to perfect their form and give tips for the upcoming game. The buzzer finally rang at 6:00 P.M. sharp, and the match was underway. 

The Coyotes started with a big leap of momentum, winning their first set 26-24. Throughout the match, emotions were high as lead changes went back and forth. Unfortunately, the Coyotes’ luck ran dry as they lost their second match to the Bulls. But morale never faltered, as Ramirez kept encouraging their team, telling them to believe in themselves. He also stated in an interview how they needed to work on their offense, as they are, “Not making the point, but giving the points. I’m not Santa, I’m not giving anything away for free.” With the matches tied at one for each team, this next set would determine the winner. Tensions were high as lead changes kept occurring. The student section started raising their voices, chanting louder and louder for their Coyotes. Unfortunately, the Coyotes were stopped short, losing their last match to the Bulls. However, even through defeat, their morale never faltered. 

In a post-game interview, Kayla Leanord talked about how proud she was of her team, and how they worked well together. “I’m proud of our team, chemistry was there, we just made simple mistakes.” She also excitedly cheered about the next time they would meet, and how they’d come back for revenge, and grab Wiregrass by the horns. 

After the Junior Varsity games concluded, Varsity ran onto the court to ready themselves for the battle ahead of them. The stands were now a sea of black, students filling the bleachers, chanting for their home team. Signs reading “Go Coyotes! Horns Down!” flew across the scene. Before long, the game was under way. With the Coyotes scoring first once again, they quickly made their mark on the court, racking up points with the student body cheerleading behind them. Through the highs and lows of the match, the Coyotes battled hard, but sadly couldn’t come away with a victory. 

But even though the Coyotes didn’t win on the court, they won in terms of spirit and camaraderie. Throughout the match, even when Cypress was down, students never wavered with their cheers. Sienna Bruce, one of the Varsity stars, also talked about how they can’t put each other down for mistakes, but rather learn from them. Both teams stuck by each other throughout the whole game, always with a smile. They all shared the idea that they have to be there for one another, as if they aren’t, then they aren’t any better than the opposing team. Wiregrass, be ready, as the Coyotes are waiting for the day they play again, and when they do, they’ll be the ones howling in victory.