FRONT ROYAL, VA- The women's volleyball team traveled to Christendom College to compete in a tri-match against Trinity Washington University and host school, Christendom College. The Lady Patriots were put to the test at every turn but prevailed in the end by sweeping the tri-match and defeating Christendom College, 3-1, and Trinity Washington, 3-1.
After a long drive it appeared the Lady Patriots were still waking up as set one got underway against the Christendom College Crusaders. Down early in the set by eight points, 2-10, Valley Forge scrambled to gather themselves against the Crusaders hitters. Finally getting a small run together, the Lady Patriots nipped at the heels of the Crusaders before finally tying the game at 17-17. Riding the momentum the women pushed ahead and to get within three points of set point, 22-19. Not letting up, the Crusaders came on even stronger and matched the Lady Patriots until each team sat at 23 points. Going back and forth the set pushed beyond point 25 until the Lady Patriots finally edged out the host school to take set one, 29-27.
Into the second set, the Lady Patriots seemed unable to overcome their own errors and couldn't manage a run against the Crusaders. Getting denied at every turn and constantly getting caught out of system, the women gave up set two, 12-25.
The Lady Patriots proved their desire to win the match by shaking off the frustration of the second set and battling in sets three and four. Falling behind early in each set the women gathered themselves and took back control with aggressive serves and strategic offensive placement. Despite a few hiccups toward the end, the women gathered their first win of the day by taking set three, 25-20 and set four to the match, 25-22.
Gabrielle Martin recorded 13 kills.
Madison Arrowsmith recorded eight kills with four aces and nine digs.
Aubrie McQuown notched eight kills of her own, while
Olivia Wireman stood out with 21 assists and five aces.
Next up for the women was Trinity Washington University. The matches appeared to be eerily similar as the match was taken to four sets, with the Lady Patriots giving up set two.
Set one came easy for Valley Forge as they rode the momentum of their earlier win against Christendom to a smooth 25-12 victory. Getting a little too comfortable in set two the women made various mental mistakes handed the Tigers point after point. Not setting up to attack the women were unable to extend any small lead over the Tigers. As each time continued strove to win the match, it would be Trinity walking off the court with the win on their side, defeating the Lady Patriots, 26-24.
Feeling the wakeup call, Valley Forge pushed an early lead with serves and aggressive attacks from
Shelby Shepherd and
Faith Bachman. As the women corrected their mistakes from set two, they were rewarded with the win in set three, 25-20.
As the fourth started, the teams remained even for the first several points. Finally, the Tigers pushed the lead out capitalizing on the Lady Patriot's errors and miscommunication. Not looking to go into a fifth set, the women steadied themselves and served their way into the lead. Once they were ahead, Valley Forge continued to pursue the win and got within two points of match point. Realizing they had no room for errors or safe plays, the Lady Tigers attacked even harder and scrounged up points here and there to get within one point of the Lady Patriots, 22-23. Long rallies ensued but each time the Lady Patriots came out with the point and grabbed the fourth set and match, 25-22.
Faith Bachman recorded five kills with five digs.
Shelby Shepherd led the offensive with 13 kills and two block assists.
Olivia Wireman once again showed her strength with 32 assists, six aces and two block assists.
Brittany Eberly dominated in the back row with 17 aces, totally 37 for the day!
The women return home for one days rest before hosting a tri-match of their own, Monday, October 6. The women will face Trinity Washington University once again at 4PM and Washington Adventist University at 8PM.
Go Patriots!
