By Julia Sachs, Staff Writer
At University of Maryland’s Ritchie Coliseum in College Park on Monday, November 16, the River Hill volleyball squad overcame a two-set hole to force a fifth set, but came up short to Damascus in the 3A semifinal. Falling behind after losing the first set, the girls knew they had to increase their intensity.
When the second set began, River hill led 3-0, but the score went back to a tie at 6-6 until Damascus won six points to take the lead. With the student section filled, volleyball fans watched anxiously as the third set began. Losing the third set would mean Damascus would take the win.
Tied at 15-15 in the third set, River hill bounced up to 25-21, with the help of starter senior Isabel Paci. The Hawks were on a roll as they anxiously entered the fourth set. Taking the win for that one, a fifth set would take place to be the deciding factor of who moves on to the state finals. The audience cheered on the team, knowing that they would give it their all. Damascus was on the brink of elimination.
River Hill was fighting back, as they have all match and all season. In the fifth set, nothing happened early, as Damascus started out with a 6-0 lead. The Hawks, continuing to work harder and harder, managed to trail by one at 11-10.. Trading points along the way, Damascus eventually pulled through with the win. The ending score being a devastating 15-13. Despite River Hill winning two sets in a row, it just wasn’t enough.
Regardless of the loss, the fans still supported the players until the end. The girls worked so hard the entire season, recording a stunning record of 15-2. Even though River Hill fell just short to Damascus, the team improved significantly since last season. Last year the team recorded only five wins in county matches. The girls this year were close to being undefeated.
Damascus will now go on to play the winner of Towson vs. Northern-Calvert, in the state finals. Northern current prepares to play Towson during the Maryland 3A volleyball semifinals at Ritchie Coliseum in College Park. The River Hill girls worked hard, and made it so far with the help of their coach and the fans cheering them on, continuously supporting them. With volleyball being one of the last fall sports running, winter sports have officially begun.