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Warrenton returned home on Tuesday, celebrating senior night with a two-set victory over Montgomery County (25-16, 25-14).
The Warriors were able to build a large enough lead to work on some new passing sets that had only been tried in practice.
"We figure we'd come out with our big guns and do what we needed to get a big enough lead," said Coach Drew DeManuele. "This is a good time to work on things."
Warrenton jumped out to a 12-5 edge before unleashing a 6-1 run to go ahead by double figures.
DeManuele says his team played with a chip on its shoulder - with a higher level of confidence.
"We're not playing timid anymore," said DeManuele. "We're swinging and playing aggressive. We've done really well, and we're making a good push. I thought we had a good chance at winning our last five games before districts."
Unlike against several opponents, who keep the match moving at an intense rate, the Warriors were able to set the tone against a Montgomery County team that has just one win.
Warrenton grabbed a 6-0 advantage to start the second set, allowing DeManuele to cycle everyone into the rotation.
"We had everybody involved tonight," said DeManuele. "They played as a team, and we were trying new plays. We played with a purpose tonight." The Warriors led 22-8 and used that cushion to polish off some new techniques before sealing the deal.
"It gave us a chance to open up our experimental hits that we haven't been ready to try," said senior Morgan Barton. "With a good lead we we're able to take that risk, and it paid off tonight."
DeManuele says he's had several big hitters emerge.
"Madeline Finnern has been hitting the ball a lot harder and making some huge plays," said DeManuele. "Morgan has had good court vision and been a court general for us."
Sophomore Sarah Cunningham has also provided power at the net.
"Sarah has been flat-out pounding the ball," said DeManuele. "She's been jump-serving for us."
Barton says the team has improved its passing and scoring efficiency.
"We've had a big slump and can't do anything about the past," said Barton. "So, we're really trying to learn from our mistakes. We've got some really connections going on hitting wise. We'll have six or seven aces in a row, which is awesome."
Barton and Courtney Beelek are the only two seniors on the team but have witnessed their underclassmen teammates respond to an early leadership call. The Warriors will travel to Zumwalt East on Thursday and then to Union on Monday.
They are currently 3-14 overall and 0-5 in GAC North conference play.
