Pender loses to Wakefield

The Pender Pendragons lost 3-0 at home to Wakefield on Thursday, losing set one 25-15, set two 25-19, and set three 25-19.

It was a tough loss for Pender, who, in my opinion, could have performed better than they did.

I thought the match would go five, but the Trojans were dominant from the onset.

The Pendragons (2-6) host Stanton (14-1) and Wisner-Pilger (6-1) in a triangular on Tuesday.

The Mustangs beat Boone Central/Newman Grove, Norfolk Catholic, Arlington, Hartington Cedar Catholic, and Laurel-Concord-Coleridge 2-0 last week while the Gators lost 3-2 at North Bend Central on Tuesday of last week.

Both teams are going to be very difficult to compete with, let alone beat, but Pender has to play with confidence, physical and mental toughness, tenacity, heart, and grit.

The Pendragons can't back down from either team, and have to put forth their best effort.

I don't think Pender played the way they are capable of against Wakefield, and I'm sure the Pendragons are anxious to get back out on the court and prove that they are a better team than what they showed against the Trojans.

I definitely think Pender is better than what they showed on Thursday, but it might not show on Tuesday.

Both Stanton and Wisner-Pilger are C-2 juggernauts, and are loaded with talent.

Having these two at home helps, but the Pendragons have their work cut out for them, there's no doubt about it.

Pender has to play hard and fight no matter what. The Pendragons have to give maximum effort on every serve and in every set.

Pender can't give up if they fall behind.

These are the Pendragons' only two matches of the week so Pender has to do what they can to have a good showing.