You could see her from across the court. Ace team's coach, Coach Keith, was calling for a huddle, and she hastily tore the velcro on her knee pads and jogged over.

Erika Reeves had always been a stubborn individual. Determined and hardworking, she had fought her way to the top of her school, Lincoln-Wessin High School's, varsity team. She was a brilliant setter and had quick reflexes, but that wasn't enough for her. She wanted to play libero for Ace.

Ace-Star Volleyball Club, or ASVC, brought together the varsity and high school captains of every school in the district, full of cream-of-the-crop players, and Erika didn't shine as brightly as she did at school. While she was captain at Lincoln-Wessin, she could only be a setter in ASVC.

As it happens, you, her across-the-street neighbor, captains a team in the district, earning a spot in ASVC's Star team, which, as it's name suggests, has a long-standing rivalry against Ace team. She'd never tell, but you seemed like everything she ever wanted, skill-wise. You were school varsity team captain, and Star captain. It didn't get any better than that.

She found herself staring resentfully at your silhouette standing at the other end of the court, her frustration at Ace's loss in the match that day evident on her face.