Sitting two rows behind the benches in Reynolds Coliseum during Saturday night’s volleyball match, a group of 12 middle school students sat cheering on the red and white.

With their eyes moving back and forth, following the ball from one side of the court to the other, they talked about plays they saw. They examined which player was playing each of their positions.

And despite State’s loss, the Chewning Middle School girls volleyball team could not hide their joy with their big smiling faces.

Olivia Hyatt, Chewning’s coach, said she brought her team to State’s match against Wake Forest after an invitation was extended her way.

“The reason I chose State is because they have a program set up for middle schoolers,” Hyatt said. “On Sept. 16, they actually had teams out here. We could not come to that and their coach also invited us to come and watch a game.”

The Wolfpack lost the match 3-0 to the Demon Deacons, but 13-year-old Angelica Richardson said the experience of seeing her first State volleyball game was “excellent” and enjoyed seeing others play the game she loves.

“We’re glad that we came out to see State and Wake Forest because they set a good example.” Richardson said. “Now we know what to do in the game and what not to do in the game.”

Using the example seen Friday night, the girls said they hope to improve their game and keep playing for years to come.

“Hopefully I’ll get better on my serves, so I’m hoping I get a scholarship for college too,” 13-year-old Taylor Clark said.

Hyatt said she hoped the girls took a lot away from seeing two Division-1 volleyball teams compete.

“They need to bump, set and hit every single time and they need to get their serves in every time,” she said.

Clark said the absence of left-handed players surprised her.

“I noticed that there are no lefties, and that’s what I am,” she said. “I noticed that everyone was ready for the ball every time. Even if it wasn’t their ball, they were all moving at all times, staying on their feet.”