Bombers Fall to the Braves - By Alex Billings
The Richland High volleyball team lost a big matchup Tuesday night against the Kamiakin Braves. Although the lady bombers came out on the bottom, they kept the Braves on their heels throughout the four sets.
 |
| Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
This match attracted a massive crowd. As you looked into the stands you could see green and red scattering all over filling up the stands almost completely. SWX and Atomic TV were broadcasting the game over the internet and television airwaves. Students from both schools showed up and showed out. I had a chance to talk to a Bomber fan after the game who commented on the “outstanding crowd involvement. Students here love to support each other.” I was also able to talk with senior middle-hitter Gracie Moss about how she and her team prepared for this tough match. “We have been working on working together as a team since we are a pretty new group, and working on lots of defense in practice.”
Richland and Kamiakin have a large history in volleyball and all other sports. Both teams always seem to fill the MCC All-Conference list, as Kamkian has three returning players from the first team section. In the 22-23 season the Bombers swept the Braves two out of the three matches. Both teams also attended the state tournament last year and are looking to fight to get the win, no matter what it takes. Although the Braves are down a few players due to some injuries, they had other girls step up and fill those roles and more.
 |
| Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
Coming into this match the two teams are undefeated in conference play and one team is looking to continue this undefeated season sending the other team home with their first loss in the MCC. The first set was a battle from both sides of the court. Kamiakin gets a strong 6-0 lead forcing their opponents into a timeout. That break was just what the bombers needed to bounce back and keep the score close for the rest of the first set. Senior outside hitter Jenna Holm played a huge part in this game, not only tying it up in the first set but having multiple kills to secure her team. I had the chance to talk to Holm before the match. “ I think if we all are in it to win it, we can be a solid force together on the court tonight.” The score was tight the entire set, with the Braves coming out with the 27-25 win.
Richland, looking to recover, comes out strong and continues to put up a fight. This set is back and forth between both teams with the score being between one and two points the whole set. The Braves try to pull away with this set a few times but the bombers will not let them. Kamiakin Brave, Peyton Arland has made a name for herself in the MCC the past few years and really showed what she was capable of tonight. Arland will be continuing her athletic career at Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon in the fall of 2024. This set was all about momentum. Both teams were making play after play causing momentum swings not only on the court but in the student sections as well. After the back-and-forth battle between the two teams, the Braves pulled off the second set 25-21.
 |
| Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
After two hard losses to start the match, the lady bombers came out stronger than ever wanting to win the third, giving them the chance to put the momentum in their hands. As before, this set was a fight. Holms starts the set off with a kill that sets the tone for the Bombers. Richland senior Ella Mcgee continues this trend and gets an ace for her team. Richland would come out of this set with a win to keep them in the game. Mcgee played a huge part in this win and fought to keep the ball alive.
The Braves come into the set wanting to end the game and earn the win. While both teams fought hard, it was clear to see how much the Braves strived for this win. Kamiakin kept their opponents pinned in this set winning 24-14. Sophomore Keyala Krumland, Ryli Dolven and July Whitly created a deadly threat for the bombers on the court. Whitley was a key player in this match having multiple outstanding blocks during this match. It was clear that these three athletes stood out as they battled for their team.
 |
| Metcalf Media (@metcalfmedia_) |
Although Richland came out of the match with a loss, the team showed breathtaking energy, effort, and teamwork. The two teams also showed passion and heart throughout the game and revealed stunning competitiveness. Both teams have a long season ahead of them and will face off again on October 12th, so be sure to mark your calendars. The Bombers will prepare to face off against Kennewick next week, who is coming off a 3-2 win over a tough Chiawana team.
