Decade of Dominance - By Brandon Droubay
The Richland Bombers get their volleyball season going by defeating the Southridge Suns 3-1. Going into the game, the Bombers have only given up one set to the Suns since the 2015-16 season. The Suns have been struggling with their volleyball program for the past couple of years, and they haven't had a winning season since the 2016-2017 season. Finishing last season with a 4-13 record. Richlands' last winning season was just last year, and they finished the season 13-8.
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| Photo: Lilli West |
Richland seized an early lead in the first set and raced to a 12-4 lead. Southridge struggled with net errors early on, committing four faults that destroyed any momentum that could've arisen. These were apparent as the student section was getting frustrated with repeatedly using the chant "There's a net there" repeatedly. Despite a notable Suns block by number 8 Belma Velagic, Richland maintained control of the set, dominating the front lines with many blocks from Richland Olivia Killian. Richland continued to dominate the first set with excellent communication and bumping ability from the back three. Richland wins the set 25-16 off an outside ball hit by Southridge. The Bombers were proving their dominance against the Suns again this year. In the past, Southridge struggled, especially against the Bombers. But Southridge fans and the team wanted something more this year. Many fans came out to their student section, showing up for the Bomber's lackluster showout. But the Suns struggled to provide its fans with something to cheer about.
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| Photo: Lilli West |
In the second set, the Suns started with a 2-0 lead, showing some signs of hope, and the Bombers tied it 5-5. Then Aubrey Hudson, number 3, had a massive kill to end a fantastic rally shared between the two teams. The Bombers then extended their lead 9-5 with four unanswered points that shot up the energy in the gym. The Bombers felt tremendous, but Southridge quickly disrupted their momentum with a massive block by #13 Taycee Clayton and #4 Terryne Gant. Freshman Lillie Logan came into the game and had a great serve. She then made a couple of shocking plays, and you could tell her presence on the court had an impact. It was too late, though, the Bombers kept chugging along on the backend of the set. Ending the set 25-14, the Bombers are up 2-0 in the matchup. The Suns needed to come back and try to find themselves within the next set.
I spoke with freshman libero Lillie Logan, asking her how she is making such an impact as a freshman and building varsity experience. "I remind myself that I can play to the best of my ability, and I talk positively about myself to stay composed." And you can see this composure on the court, visibly not getting flustered or nervous even with her team not being able to win a set early on. She further mentioned her team's readiness to take on some new opponents and make a name for themselves. The sheer confidence in her team, even just from seeing these early games, she knows that Southridge can hang with the rest in the MCC. And the trust in that team will help them outshine further opponents.
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| Photo: Lilli West |
Mikaya Woodruff is also very optimistic about her team. With their backs up against the wall with being 0-2 for the start of the season, how would they heat up and get the win against Southridge? "We played as a team and as one unit. We were in it to win it. Everyone sets their goals and focuses on winning the game and improving their team. We also need to stay dedicated the whole time." With this confidence, the Bombers knew they could get this win and be successful for the rest of the year. Mikaya had some impactful plays on the court tonight, allowing them to seal away two early sets to give them a good lead going into the 3rd set.
The 3rd set starts off with an excellent rally. The Bombers won the point, but both teams showed good communication and court awareness. The bombers then start to pull away and are up 6-3. The Suns cannot keep up with the powerful hitters up front, such as Aubrey Hudson, Olivia Killian, and Mikaya Woodruff. The Suns show some signs of hope and tie it 9-9. Taycee Clayton had a great kill. The Bombers need help to keep up with the Sun's momentum. Southridge leads 17-13. The Sun's break 20 for the first time tonight, showing a huge breakthrough 21-16. Suns win their first set of the night off a boundary call. That is the 2nd set that they have won since the 2015-16 season. It was a massive accomplishment for the Suns, and you can see the emotion throughout the crowd and down on the court, and you can see how impactful and vital it is to these girls.
The Bombers get a quick lead in the 4th set, 7-4, to seal it off. But, the Suns werent giving up quite yet. Arianna Parker for the Suns with many impactful digs that saved the Southridge from a quick defeat trying to keep them into the game. But with all their efforts, they couldn't get anything going. Bombers keep their lead 13-5 with 6 points unanswered. Jordyn Olson for the Suns, getting a huge kill to try and strike some life back into the Southridge girls. Bombers win the set 25-14 with Olivia Killian with a kill to win the game and give the Bombers their first win. Southridge is getting their 3rd loss of the year. Can the Bombers take it away this year and win the MCC?
