WILLIAMSTON — The outcome might have been the same, but the journey was much different for Washington the second time it faced area volleyball power Riverside.
The two teams first clashed a week ago with the Knights winning in three sets. On Tuesday, Riverside would again sweep the Pam Pack as it won 25-10, 25-17, 25-15, however, Washington’s first-year coach Kelly Slade was a lot more impressed with her team’s play after the rematch.
“They absolutely played better,” Slade said. “I’m really proud of the way they played today. I know they didn’t win but they put forth a great effort, they were getting balls that I never even seem them try to get. They worked hard and they were focused.”
Washington (1-4, Coastal Conference 3A) hung with the Knights (5-0, Four Rivers Conference, 1A) for a large portion of the first match as the team was led by the likes of Lacie Anglim, Corey Megan, Adriana Tyson, Sydney Gurkin and Robin Lilley. The two teams were locked at 10-10 midway through the match, but that’s when Riverside began to pull away.
The Knights, led by Madison Brandon, Jesse Anne Rogers, Rachel Baker and Alexis Ange, ripped off an 11-3 run that put them ahead 21-13 and in control of the match.
Riverside coach Herbie Rodgers credited his team’s serving after the victory.
“When we’re serving good it keeps the other team out of their offense,” Rogers said. “I thought today we had several girls that stepped to the line and put the ball exactly where we needed it.”
In the second game the Knights got off to a fast start and after back-to-back aces by Ange they held an 11-5 advantage. Riverside would manage to keep Washington at bay for most of the match despite a quality effort by the Pam Pack.
Washington’s play dipped a little in the third and final match as it allowed Riverside to open the game with a 15-3 lead en route to its 25-16 loss.
“I think they needed to work a little bit harder during the third game, I think we’re getting a little bit tired,” Slade said. “There are just things that we are going to have to work out in practice.”
For Riverside, who was missing starters Peri Ange (sick) and Karly Stevens (transferred), the school received a great effort from its bench. Giving a big assist off the pine was Dasia Moore, who filled in for Ange and did a good job setting up the Knights’ hitters.
The to teams will be back in action on Thursday as Washington will travel to Northside and Riverside will host Farmville Central.