Raptors Volleyball Takes Down Hagerstown
The Raptors volleyball team improved their overall record to 11-4 with an impressive 3-1 win over the Hagerstown Hawks. Hagerstown was previously unbeaten in the region with a record of 9-0. The Raptors found themselves behind throughout most of the first set until Alex Thayer stepped to the service line with her team down 24-21. Behind Thayerś strong serves the team rallied to score five straight points and take the set 26-24.
The team was able to ride the momentum from the first set to take the second set with a more comfortable score of 25-19. The Hawks from Hagerstown were not going to go away easily though. They were able to build an early lead in set three and hold on to win the set 25-23. Facing the threat of momentum shifting, the Raptors found themselves down quickly in set four, eventually facing an 18-11 deficit. After a timeout and a regrouping by the team, the Raptors scored seven straight points lead by Jaynna Crocker on the service line. The teams exchanged points for the remainder of the set with the Raptors eventually prevailing 26-24 on a decisive kill from Anna Stanoyevich.
The win improves the Raptors regional record to 9-2. The win came as a result of many outstanding performances from individual players. Meghan Wessling lead the way with 15 kills, followed by Arianna Davey with ten kills. Jaynna Crocker added eight kills and three aces, while Stanoyevitch added seven kills. Diana Garcia and Alex Thayer were critical with their setting to the hitters with 21 and 18 assists respectively. Defensively, Milena Bates was determined to not let anything hit the floor and tallied 31 digs. Olivia Wright was working the net defense and recorded two solo blocks and six block assists. This was a true team win with contributions from all over the roster including Mya Lee who was crucial in keeping many rallies alive adding four kills and two digs, while Marielle Amigos added five digs in the fourth set which helped lead to the comeback win.
The coaching staff is thrilled with the level of committment and improvement the roster continues to strive for. The next match is at home against Frederick Community College on Tuesday, September 3 at 6 p.m.