After winning the fourth set to tie the match, the Catawba Ridge girls’ volleyball team struggled to keep momentum in the final set.
The Copperheads lost to Legion Collegiate Academy Lancers 3-2 (22-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-22, 13-15) for their first loss in Region 3-4A. Catawba Ridge is now 1-1 in the region and 7-6 overall.
“Our backrow tore it up tonight, but sometimes it was hard to finish,” said Catawba Ridge head coach Alicia Lisee. “From an offensive decision making, we need to grow in where we are sending balls. After seeing them, and bettering ourselves, the pieces will come together.”
The Copperheads were unable to keep the momentum they had after winning the fourth set. Catawba Ridge held that momentum early in the fifth set, but Legion scored three straight to go up 10-7 before a Copperheads timeout.
The Copperheads got off to a slow start as Legion went up 5-2 early in the first set. Catawba Ridge fought back to tie the set at eight. The Copperheads took a small lead at 15-12 and was strong at finding open spots in the Legion defense for kills.
Legion was able to stay within striking distance and tied the set at 18 leading to a Catawba Ridge timeout. The Copperheads took another time out trailing 22-20 in the set before Legion would go up 1-0 with a 25-22 win.
Legion again started strong going up early, but the Copperheads were right on them tying the set at five. Catawba Ridge surged ahead 10-6 with strong returns and kills. The gap was enough for Catawba Ridge to get some breathing room.
The Copperheads continued to expand their lead going up 17-11 keeping the momentum in their corner.
Legion called a timeout to try and regain the momentum, but wasn’t able to do so. Catawba Ridge kept a comfortable lead pushing the score to 22-17 before another Lancers timeout.
Tied at one set apiece, Legion was finally able to regroup and started the third set 5-0. The Copperheads rallied to make a game of it winning several lengthy volleys.
Despite pulling within two at 8-6, Legion scored four consecutive points to take command of the set before a Catawba Ridge timeout.
The Lancers stayed on top of things in the set after the timeout.
After another timeout, Legion was still able to keep the momentum going ahead 19-11 in the set. Catawba Ridge did rally some pulling within two at 20-18. Legion took a 2-1 lead winning the third set 25-21.
Both teams started the fourth set going back-and-forth before Legion took a small 11-9 lead. The Lancers were able to keep the lead despite the Copperheads keeping it close. Catawba Ridge tied the set at 15 leading to a Legion timeout.
The set remained close as the Copperheads crept ahead 20-18. They were able to put a little run taking the set tying the match at two with a 25-22 win.
Sept. 3 Roundup
The Nation Ford girls’ volleyball team swept Clover 3-0 (25-9, 25-6, 25-15) to improve to 7-1 overall and 2-0 in Region 3-4A.
The Fort Mill girls’ volleyball team swept Palisades winning 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-21) to improve to 5-3 overall on the season.
The Catawba Ridge boys’ volleyball team beat Legion Collegiate 3-1 to improve to 6-3 overall and 1-1 in Region 3-4A.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
