2022.09.15 Volleyball: Dominion @ Loudoun County
Leesburg, VA (September 15, 2022) - Rare is the time that the Loudoun County Captains are the underdogs in a volleyball match, rarer still does that occur at home. But with a 6-3 record--and with momentum that comes with a huge win over Rock Ridge the night before--the Dominion Titans could be seen as the favorites over their 4-4 hosts.
The Captains were on a four-match winning streak, and beating Dominion would give Loudoun County's resurgence legitimacy after an uncharacteristic 0-4 start to the season. On the other side of the net, beating Loudoun County--in any season--could confirm the Titans as a real contender.
Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.
Game 1: Loudoun County 25 - Dominion 20
The Captains got off to an early 5-1 lead, but the Titans steadily chipped away at the margin and tied the game at 10-10. Behind a great run of serves from County senior Alayna Johnson, her team surged again to force a Dominion timeout at 14-10. County extended the lead to five and maintained it to win the set.
Game 2: Dominion 25 - Loudoun County 14
Dominion senior Maya Van Wyngaardt set the tone for the second game with a roof and a kill as the Titans vaulted to a 14-7 lead. After a timeout, County steadied themselves, but could not get any closer than six points. Titan Kaitlyn Demitz closed out the set with two big hits and a series of solid serves.
Game 3: Dominion 25 - Loudoun County 11
All tied up at 4-4, it looked like the Captains were back in the match, but they had trouble returning serves from Titan Juliet Correll and quickly fell behind 14-8. Dominion fully regained their momentum found in the second game and cruised to a relatively easy win.
Game 4: Loudoun County 25 - Dominion 20
Demonstrating a growing confidence, and leading 7-4, County forced Dominion into a timeout, but the tactic failed to stall the Captains who pushed their lead out to 16-8 and forced the Titans into a second timeout. Down 20-10, the visitors cut into the margin, but could not come all the way back, forcing the deciding fifth set.
Game 5: Loudoun County 17 - Dominion 15
Off to a fast start at 3-0, Dominion gained back some momentum. But County surged again to lead 7-5 behind laser-like service from Corinne Bonamassa. Taking a timeout down 12-10, the Titans battled to a 15-15 tie, but the Captains came through for the final two points and the match win.
Summary
Without a doubt, Dominion is here to stay this season, and they will be formidable as they enter the heart of the season. Missing from the Captains' game is the certainty that they'll win every match, but replacing it is unbridled joy in each victory--see this photo--and maybe that's even better.
Final Score: Loudoun County 3 - Dominion 2
