2022.10.03 Volleyball: Loudoun Valley @ Dominion
Sterling, VA (October 3, 2022) - Three weeks to play in the 2022 Dulles District season, and things are becoming more clear. Rock Ridge and Loudoun County have their grips on the top two spots. But with almost all remaining games against district opponents, there is still time for some re-sorting.
Right behind the two front-runners are the Loudoun Valley Vikings and Dominion Titans. Both at 7-3 in district play, tonight's game would be their second meeting and somewhat of a "must win" for each. On their home court a few weeks ago, the Vikings had handled the Titans, 3-1. This rematch was in Sterling, and the annual "dig pink" game gave the home team even more incentive to win.
Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the game.
Set 1: Dominion 25 - Loudoun Valley 16 (1-0)
The Titans started the first set fast and really never looked back. Calling timeouts trailing 5-2 and 15-8, the Vikings seemed tentative and a bit out of sync and could not slow the Dominion attack. The Titans were virtually error-free, and cruised to an easy set win.
Set 2: Loudoun Valley 26 - Dominion 24 (1-1)
Loudoun Valley bounced back to take an early 6-4 lead, but Dominion won the biggest rally of the night on the next point, and it looked like momentum was turning back toward the Titans. But the Vikings put together their most consistent run of the night to go in front, 15-9, behind brilliant net play from from Amy Wood. Titan senior Haley Gill served her team all the way back to tie it at 16-16--and the teams traded points to 24-24--but Loudoun Valley held on to take the set.
Set 3: Dominion 25 - Loudoun Valley 14 (2-1)
The Titans found their mojo behind another serving run from Gill, and opened an early 5-0 lead. But the Vikings fought back to tie it at 6-6. The rest of the set belonged to Dominion. The Titan defense was exceptional and consistent, and the back line simply would not let a ball hit the ground on their side.
Set 4: Dominion 25 - Loudoun Valley 16 (3-1)
The final set of the match was a carbon copy of the third. Dominion started fast, and Loudoun Valley earned a tie at 8-8. But the Titans continued to play a nearly flawless and balanced team concept and won the set and the match easily.
Next Up
Despite tonight's disappointing result, Loudoun Valley still has time to solidify their playoff position. Most of their five remaining matches favor the Vikings, but they can't overlook a return match with Loudoun County.
Dominion will need to maintain the momentum from this big win as they face Rock Ridge and Loudoun County next week, but both games are in the friendly confines of their home court. The Titans have the tougher schedule, but the best opportunity to move up in the standings.
Final Score: Dominion 3 - Loudoun Valley 1
