“One!” cried the scorekeeper, and the Washington corner of the grandstand gave its first yell of triumph.
“Now, everyone of you do just the same thing, one after another,” commanded Katherine to the volley line. Her utter lack of excitement was bringing them out of their confusion. The next girl made an equally good throw and another loud whack announced that Katherine was volleying. Backing the net, she could not see where it was going, but a squeal told her that the girl who should be returning the ball was fleeing it. Then the machine started to work. As long as one side scored it was privileged to keep the volley.
When in operation the machine sounded like this: “Next!” Whack! Bump! That was all. Katherine’s command to the server; the impact of her palms on the ball; and the thump of the ball on the ground on the Mechanical side of the net. Up went the Washington score.
Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten! Eleven! Twelve!
“Washington Rah!
Washington Rah!
Katherine Adams,
Rah! Rah! Rah!”
The atmosphere was rent with the yell.
Thirteen! Fourteen! Fifteen!