The Patrick County High Volleyball Team fell to the Radford Bobcats, three sets to one in a hard fought, back-and-forth match. Those in attendance watched a fantastic match full of hustle, determination and great plays on both sides of the net.
In the first set, Radford got off to a strong start, taking a 14-9 lead. The Cougars fought back, going on a 12-5 run, tying the score at 21. The Cougars held onto the momentum, taking the first set, 25-23.
Things got off to a slow start for Patrick County in the second set, falling behind 3-7, but once again battling back to a tie at nine. After taking the lead 14-12, the Cougars faced several multi-points runs by Radford, who pulled away to take the set 18-25.
In the third, both teams struggled to hold any momentum as they played many long points, extended by the hustle of both teams. Through the first half of the set, the Cougars held a small lead, not allowing Radford to go on any sizable runs. Tied at 14, the set stayed close, with Radford able to chip away with runs of two or three points, which was enough to win the third set 20-24.
The fourth set began the way the third set went, with Radford able to put points together in small runs. Cougar head coach Heidi Moore called a timeout with the score 11-17, and the team responded. Coming out of the break, the Cougars went on a 9-2 run, tying the set at 20. Though the whole match, both teams extended points with hustle plays, and the next few points were no exception. Radford took the next two points, with the teams trading points to set and match point, with the visitor taking the set 22-25, and the match, three sets to one.
A factor in the match was Radford’s ability to go on multi-point runs. The Cougars won many big points, but couldn’t string together the runs needed to take the momentum.
“If we can put another ball down, it changes the momentum. It’s such a momentum sport that we’ve got to make sure that when we get it, we keep it, or as soon as they get it, we squash it,” said Coach Moore. “On those big points, get maybe a point or two after, and not get in those ruts where you lose three points in a row. I think it would have been a different outcome. We played much better than the first time we played them. Games were way closer, so that was more impressive.”
Summing up the night, Coach Moore said, “We played hard, we played really aggressive, and we were close.”
Jayden Callahan’s 13 kills, 2 blocks and 21 digs led the Cougars. Camille Gonzalez chipped in 6 kills, 11 assists and 13 digs. Journey Moore had 22 digs and 2 assists.
The Volleyball Team traveled to Floyd County on Thursday, October 5, losing in 4 sets: 25-23, 18-25, 20-25, and 22-25. Jayden Callahan had 13 kills, 2 blocks, and 21 digs. Camille Gonzalez had 6 kills, 11 assists, and 13 digs. Journey Moore had 22 digs and 2 assists.
The Cougars will travel to face district rival Carroll County, at 7p.m. on October 12, and will be at home to James River on October 17, and Martinsville on October 18. Both games start at 7 p.m.
Ashlee Mullis contributed to this report.
