There is little doubt that performance anxiety can have serious consequences for any performer, whether it be a musician, an actor, an athlete, a writer, even a test taker. The quality of the performance will diminish considerably and can result in a disastrous concert, dramatic performance, sporting event, written piece, and test result. And yet, this observer's experience is is that a little nervousness, usually accompanied with stomach "butterflies," indicates at least an interest in performing well, and perhaps a passion for performance excellence. Without that nervousness and without something resembling "butterflies", the result of the performance will likely be less than stellar because it means the performer lacks the focus necessary to turn in a quality performance.

It appeared to this observer that the ACGC volleyball team was lacking its normal focus last night in its three set win over Madrid, 25-13, 25-14, and 25-19. If there was a match in which to be less focused, this was the one, as Madrid now stands at 1-5 in the WCAC and 2-10 overall. So there was little doubt among Charger players and fans alike that ACGC would defeat the Tigers in the match played in Madrid. And perhaps that is why the usual focus didn't seem to be there.

Compared to the most recent match with league leading Des Moines Christian, last night lacked the focus and intensity that the Chargers displayed against the Lions. But all of this is to be expected. It isn't something unique to last night's match. All of the performers mentioned in the first paragraph will experience an "off night" when the music doesn't sound quite as good as it usually does, when the acting isn't quite as convincing, when the written piece isn't as sharp, when the test result isn't what was desired. And athletes and their teams don't always perform to their capabilities. Enough said!

Madrid hung close in the first set and trailed by just three points at 14-11 when the Chargers began pulling away. Four consecutive Charger points with Kylie Young serving increased the lead to 18-11 and the Tigers didn't challenge after that. EmmaKay McClain's kill finished the set and gave ACGC the 25-13 win.

With the Chargers leading at 9-5 in set two, Chloe Largent assumed the service. Largent is primarily known for her powerful kills (and she had a bunch last night), and last night she came up with eight consecutive points while serving that included two aces. Young's tip and a kill, and Alaina Bunde's kill during the run gave the visitors an 18-5 lead. Madrid managed to close the gap to eight points at 22-14, but Saige O'Brien's kill seemed to deflate the Tigers and ACGC finished the set with a 25-14 win.

The final set saw ACGC take an early 11-4 lead, only to see Madrid show some spunk and get within two points at 18-16. The Chargers claimed the next three points to increase the lead to five points which it maintained until the final point scored--a "dunk"--by O'Brien.

The victory improves the Chargers' season record to 17-3 and 5-1 in the WCAC, and is the only contest for the girls this week. Next action will be next Tuesday, October 8 when the Chargers will host Interstate 35 in a conference match. Go Chargers!

Set scores:

ACGC 25 25 25

Madrid 13 14 19

Charger Statistics:

Kills Kill Eff Assts Digs Blocks Serves Serve Eff Aces

Stowe 0 X 25 2 1 14-14 1.000 0

Bunde 6 .267 0 0 2 0-0 X X

Coffman 0 X 0 4 0 3-5 .600 0

Kintz 0 X 0 1 0 1-2 .500 0

Laabs 0 X 1 10 0 6-8 .750 2

Largent 18 .343 0 4 0 16-18 .889 5

McClain 1 1.000 0 0 2 0-0 X X

O'Brien . 2 .000 0 0 1 9-12 .750 4

Young 10 .368 0 2 0 13-15 .867 3