In front of a sea of orange and a full gym, Green Level volleyball delivered both intensity and purpose in the annual Orange Out game last night on the 24th. The Gators, ranked No. 1 in the state, faced off in a high-stakes matchup with Cleveland. Every rally fueled the crowd and every point carried extra weight–not just in the standings, but in the fight against leukemia and lymphoma.
Before the game, the players knew the stakes were bigger than just another match. The team discussed staying focused, remaining composed, and remembering that they were playing for something bigger than the scoreboard. 5´11 Sophomore setter, Scarlett Taylor, emphasized that mindset.
“We need to make sure that we come in with an open mindset of this is not just about us, this is about something bigger.” Taylor says.
That focus quickly showed on the court. Green Level continued its dominance, keeping its perfect record of never dropping a set this season intact. The Gators battled through a tight first set, pulling out a 25-23 win before hitting their stride in the second with a commanding 25-12 finish. They closed the night strong in the third, sealing the sweep 25-17 and adding another statement victory to their record.
The impact of the Orange Out game wasn’t lost on the players. Sophomore libero Madison Simmons reflected on the bigger picture.
“It means everything that we get to play for a cause that’s really spread over the whole country and that’s really affected a lot of people. Also, having a player on our team, Reese, who is affected by it, and to go out there and really play for her and really show up for her means everything.” Simmons says.
This victory was more than just another notch in the win column. It was a powerful demonstration of the Green Level Volleyball program’s dedication to both excellence on the court and to making an impact off of it. The team focused and locked in, which secured the sweep over a high-stakes opponent like Cleveland. This perfectly shows the passion of the Orange Out crowd, all united for an important cause. Playing with heart for their teammate, Reese, and for the broader fight against leukemia and lymphoma provided the emotional fuel for their strong performance.
The players proved that an open mindset focused on the bigger picture only sharpens their competitive edge. With the sweep, Green Level improved to a perfect 16-0 on the season and now turns its attention to a key home matchup against Willow Springs tonight at 6.
