2022.09.27 Volleyball: Rock Ridge @ Riverside

Leesburg, VA (September 27, 2022) - A win against the Rock Ridge Phoenix--one of the hottest teams in LCPS--would be a huge deal for the home team, the Riverside Rams. After a modest start to their season, the Rams were surging and riding the momentum from a big win over Independence. But the Phoenix was on a four-game streak that included a takedown of perennial power Loudoun County.

Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.

Game 1: Rock Ridge 26 - Riverside 24 (1-0)

The Phoenix got going quickly and forced a Riverside timeout leading 9-4. But, with the first of many kills on the night, Ram Adriana Perodin tied the score at 16-16. The Rams briefly led at 20-19, but Rock Ridge went back in front and Michelle Kim served the set winner.

Game 2: Riverside 27 - Rock Ridge 25 (1-1)

Once again it was Rock Ridge surging in front early. With Kim again leading the way from the service line, the Phoenix jumped out to a 7-2 lead. Triggered by strong service from Sage Duggal, Riverside pulled ahead. Trailing 20-18, Rock Ridge looked shaky for the first time, but big hits from Sidney Powell put the Phoenix back in front at 25-24. But they failed to get the set winner, and Riverside scored three in a row to win.

Game 3: Rock Ridge 25 - Riverside 14 (2-1)

This set was tight right up to a 10-10 tie, and that's when Annika Engen took over. Hitting, blocking, and dinking, the senior led her team to a dominating set win and the match lead.

Game 4: Riverside 25 - Rock Ridge 18 (2-2)

Again, the score was tied at 10-10, but this time Riverside surged ahead. Ava Ray was a big factor--serving her team in front at 13-10--while Perodin and Emma Sawruk were in control at the net the rest of the way for the Rams.

Game 5: Riverside 15 - Rock Ridge 6 (3-2)

An early serving run is often the deciding factor in a short fifth set, and that's exactly what Natalie Carlin provided as the Rams took a 6-2 lead that they maintained for the win. Rock Ridge gave their best effort, but Riverside finished the match with consistency and power that the Phoenix simply couldn't match.