2022.09.19 Volleyball: Loudoun County @ Rock Ridge
Ashburn, VA (September 19, 2022) - In years past, the Rock Ridge Phoenix would be hoping just to take a set from the Loudoun County Captains. But this year is different, and maybe very different.
From the season's outset the Phoenix has been in top form. At 7-2, their only losses came at the hands of Stone Bridge, arguably the top team in LCPS, and to the Dominion Titans--a surprising sweep. On the other hand, the Captains had started with an uncharacteristic four-game losing streak. Since then, however, they were 5-0 with their most recent win a comeback thriller over those same Titans. This match could prove whether the Phoenix was for real and if the Captains were all the way back.
Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.
Game 1: Rock Ridge 25 - Loudoun County 14
Rock Ridge came out with supreme confidence and error-free play while Loudoun County seemed flat and uninspired. The Phoenix' power-hitting triple threat of senior Annika Engen and juniors Sidney Powell and Grace Tucker, was red hot from the start. A Captains' timeout at 14-6 had virtually no impact on the course of the set as Rock Ridge cruised to the win.
Game 2: Loudoun County 25 - Rock Ridge 20
In a reversal of the first set, the Captains were the ones playing the consistent game. Corinne Bonamassa paced County at the net while the Phoenix struggled to score with any rhythm. Trailing 17-7, Rock Ridge closed the gap, but the outcome of the set was never in doubt.
Game 3: Rock Ridge 25 - Loudoun County 18
The teams traded points up to 6-6, but a serving run from Tucker opened up an 11-7 lead for Rock Ridge. County battled back to make it 12-12, but the Captains were forced into a timeout trailing 16-12. Trailing 23-17, County dug one that was almost in the stands, and the stunned Phoenix just let the ball drop on their side. A brilliant play that might normally fuel a comeback actually ignited the Phoenix for the remainder of the set and into the next one.
Game 4: Rock Ridge 25 - Loudoun County 15
The Phoenix was back on form and in control again. At 12-7, County called timeout to try to prevent the set from getting away--and at 16-9 they won the best rally of the night--but Rock Ridge never really looked back. Playing with the confidence they displayed in the first set, the Phoenix proved that they are definitely for real.
