2022.09.22 Volleyball: Riverside @ Independence
Brambleton, VA (September 22, 2022) - Prior to this match, neither the Independence Tigers nor the Riverside Rams had played a Potomac District opponent. Starting now, that's all they get. With varied schedules against teams from different districts and VHSL classes so far, standings are a bit unclear. But that's all about to change.
At 5-3 and 4-4, respectively, both teams have the district powers to play (twice each), and they were looking for a launching point into the heart of the schedule.
Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.
Game 1: Independence 25 - Riverside 23 (1-0)
Trading points, the lead changed hands multiple times. Neither team had more than a one-point edge until the Tigers called timeout trailing, 17-15. That pause proved effective as Independence surged in front, 22-19, and held on for the win.
Game 2: Riverside 26 - Independence 24 (1-1)
Almost a mirror image of the first game, the score was tied at 17-17, 18-18, and 19-19. But this time it was the Rams who surged to the 22-19 lead. A huge kill from Tiger Makenzie Dvorznak tied the game at 22-22, and Independence had some momentum. But a game point service winner from Riverside's Ava Ray tied the match.
Game 3: Riverside 25 - Independence 19 (2-1)
Behind Ray from the service line, Riverside opened with their biggest run of the night, 5-0. The Tigers closed the gap and forced a Rams' timeout, at 10-8, but Riverside surged again to a 23-15 lead and held on for a relatively dominant victory and a match edge.
Game 4: Independence 25 - Riverside 19 (2-2)
As had happened in Game 2, this one was a mirror image of the previous game. Now the Tigers were the ones to jump out to an early lead, 5-1. Behind solid overall defense and smart offense, The Tigers never looked back. Their best performance of the night was capped off by a dink from Dvorznak for the win.
Game 5: Riverside 15 - Independence 10 (3-2)
Riverside started out hot--almost a requirement to win a five-set match--only to have Independence rally to make it close at 8-7. From that point on, however, it was all Rams with great overall team play and big contributions from Emma Sawruk, who punished the winning match point.
Final Score: Riverside 3 - Independence 2
