This time, the other team returned the serve. Someone in the back row on Allie’s side bumped the ball into the air. It flew right to Lizzie, who tipped it just over the top of the net. A girl from the other team dove for the ball, but she slid too far under the net. Allie’s team had scored again! Allie glanced up into the stands. All of the fans were excited. Kate, Nikki, and Mom were jumping up and down and cheering. Allie caught Nikki’s eye. Nikki yelled, “Just watch the ball! You can do it!” Allie smiled and gave her a thumbs-up. Then she took a deep breath and faced the net. The next serve flew over the net. A girl from the other team called for the ball and bumped it to their setter. The setter called the name of their hitter. The hitter stepped forward, wound up, and spiked the ball over the net. Allie’s teammates were ready. The first hit headed toward Lizzie. Lizzie got ready. She spread her fingers wide to set the ball up for a spike. Then Allie heard Lizzie call her name.
