There are rituals that need to be followed before a volleyball game gets underway.

A half hour before game time, the girls line up and when the music begins — Kenny Loggins’ “Highway to the Danger Zone” last night against Kings, for example — the varsity team runs onto the court for a choreographed routine designed to create some serious hustle and flow.

Then some K.D. Lang followed by a little rap music takes hold and as both teams slide into their groove, one coach may hope the tunes take them through the evening.

Well, it worked for Kings, anyway, as they sped by South Whidbey in three straight games 11-25, 19-25 and 15-25. But then, the Knights are undefeated at 4-0, while the Falcons are in the middle of the league at 2-2.

They certainly have spirit — quick recovery and even plenty of high fives when things don’t go their way.

“We played with a lot more intensity,” Falcons Coach Tim Durbin said. “We scrambled for balls and played great defense. Our passing and serving were our downfall tonight.”

Before the game, the girls admitted their passing skills need work.

“We’ve been practicing a lot,” Lindsey Newman said. “We hope it pays off tonight.”

Caitilynn Larmore was more realistic, though.

“Kings is a tough team, no doubt about it,” she noted.

Newman is famous for her stern game face.

“When I’m not winning, I’m not happy. I’m out there to do a job,” she said.

She wasn’t smiling much this night.

Against Kings, Newman had 12 digs, Nichole Zalewski had seven digs and four kills, Courtney Dettrich added seven digs, Allison Wood collected four kills and three digs, and Whitney Wood had three kills.

The previous Tuesday, South Whidbey faced number-two Cedarcrest, losing 18-25, 18-25 and 21-25. Larmore had four kills and Chelsey Backus eight assists.

“We had a rough time of it,” Durbin said.

“We did not pass too well, which didn’t allow our hitters to get many good sets. But Nichole had a great night on defense and a couple of the girls showed great hustle,” he said.

Larmore agreed.

“We really struggled against Cedarcrest. The coach continues to adjust our positions on the court and rotation,” she said.

In their first Cascade Conference game at Coupeville on Sept. 12, the girls overcame their nerves and crushed the Wolves in three straight: 25-20, 25-17 and 25-16.

Key players included Backus with five assists, three aces, Dettrich with five digs, two kills, freshman Allison Wood with four kills and three blocks, Newman with six assists, one kill and Katie Lint with three kills.

Durbin was thrilled.

“The girls played with great energy and teamwork,” he said. “They came out with a couple nerves and quickly wiped them away. The confidence and effort was amazing for a first league match. Nice start on the year.”

Durbin and his athletes know what they need to do to get back into the winner’s circle.

“Practice, hard work and more practice,” Newman said.

At 10 a.m. today, the girls host the South Whidbey Invite. They then travel to Granite Falls Sept. 26 and return home against Archbishop Murphy Sept. 28.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at sports@southwhidbeyrecord.com.