2023.09.11 Volleyball: Tuscarora @ Riverside
Lansdowne, VA (September 11, 2023) - It's still early in the season, but the Riverside Rams are shaping up to be the team to beat. Opening up at a blistering pace, the Rams have raced undefeated through the non-district portion of the schedule, giving up only three sets and sweeping four of seven matches.
Visiting Riverside on this night were the Tuscarora Huskies. Still trying to find their identity, the Huskies' only win came against Park View. On the flip side, their matches have been almost entirely against Class 5 opponents, who they would not face again once district play begins. Riverside falls into that category.
Chas Sumser Photography was there to capture the action and emotion and posted a gallery of images from the match.
From the outset, the Rams were on their game. Behind a solid serving run from Sydney Ray, Riverside bolted out to an 18-6 lead. With Simone Schaefer and Adriana Perodin absolutely crushing it, the home team showed no signs of weakness as they cruised to a first set win.
Set 1: Riverside 25 - Tuscarora 9
The second set started out better for Tuscarora. Displaying a budding team chemistry--and all out hustle--the Huskies tied the set at 4-4. But Riverside took control again, and their stifling defense forced a Tuscarora timeout with the Rams leading 20-11. Riverside's Brianna Holladay blocked virtually every hit that the Huskies tried as she worked her way across the front line.
Set 2: Riverside 25 - Tuscarora 13
Down in sets, 2-0, Tuscarora showed real resiliency, putting together their best stretch of the night. With Reese Johnson leading the way at the net, the Huskies earned a victory of sorts by forcing Riverside to take their first timeout of the match. Tuscarora was trailing, 9-8, yet they had gained all of the momentum of the match. But the Rams' timeout worked, they put it all back in gear, and completed the sweep going away.
Set 3: Riverside 25 - Tuscarora 13
The match was a tale of two teams. One on the rise, fully confident, and expecting to win every point, and the other learning to win and celebrating the small victories. Continuing their unbeaten run, Riverside looked amazingly efficient and powerful. But Tuscarora played with a plucky scrappy intensity that made them fun to watch despite the score.
