By Kyle Gotimer
LoCoSports Journalist
Leesburg (August 27, 2014) – Just two days after a season opening loss to Stone Bridge High School, the Heritage Pride volleyball team stepped onto the court against and defeated their cross town rival Tuscarora Huskies in five sets (25-16, 22-25, 19-25, 25-21, 15-11) to win their first match of the season.
“I definitely think it gave us the confidence moving forward. Stone Bridge, like Tuscarora is a very solid team. I think we needed to have this win to really pick up our momentum, and prove to ourselves that we have what it takes to be a top competitor in the county,” said Pride head coach Allison Smith
Heritage took the first set 25-16 with a long rally starting after a great play based around two Pride players. Sophomore libero Madison Eudy started the play with a great dig pass to junior Brittany Crammer who in return had to make a kick pass back to Eudy, who then returned the ball to the Tuscarora side giving Heritage a chance to escape with a solid point: an all-around phenomenal play.
The Huskies fought hard for the second set and overcame the Pride comeback to win the second set Tuscarora 25, Heritage 22. Tuscarora once again locked Heritage down in the third set with a dominant, 25-19, win.
Even after back-to-back set losses, the Pride gathered some energy and played to their strengths to start the fourth set.
“I think that it showed that we have a lot of fight,” said Smith said regarding their strong showing late in the match.
Led by senior Claire Lydon, Heritage pulled through for a 25-21 win in the fourth set. With a hard but controlled hit, Lydon started a long rally to take control of the game pushing the Huskies into the fifth and final set which they won 15-11.
“I would expect the same amount of energy and the same endurance and hustle that we saw from our athletes tonight. I think the momentum will carry on and show us that we are capable of overcoming obstacles and challenges,” Smith said.
Heritage looks to add to their win column on Thursday, Aug. 28 as they travel to Sterling to take on the Potomac Falls Panthers.
