1at basketball practice yesterday, the sweat was pouring off my face. we were really pushing ourselves to our limits, but something was definitely off. we were missing passes and getting our game strategies mixed up. charlie, who has never been anything but graceful on his feet, looked around in confusion and tripped. he was okay, but it showed how out of sync we were.
2 we all secretly knew what was happening, but we didn't want to admit it. we knew coach webb would be the one to say it.
3 at last, coach called us over and we stood panting as he shook his head. "it's clear that something's not right. you guys all worked together so smoothly when mickie was the team captain. after he and his family moved, our teamwork is falling apart. we really need to choose a new, strong captain."

in section 1, why does the narrator say that "sweat was pouring" off his face?

a) to spotlight how hard he was practicing
b) to foreshadow how nervous he would become
c) to highlight how very hot it was in the gym
d) to suggest that he was beginning to get frightened