On Tuesday, Nov. 7, defending state champions Archie Williams girls varsity volleyball took on the Ripon Indians in their first CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) playoff game of the season. Falcons had the home-court advantage and pulled out a close win in a 5-set thriller, with the final score 3-2.
The teams were going back and forth in a high-energy first set. A few controversial calls left the Falcons feeling frustrated but they battled back into the set. The Falcons started to get into a rhythm and pulled away from the Indians. They went on a 7-2 run to close out the set and win 25-19.
The second set started close but it did not last that way for long. The Indians had everything going for them in their 2-10 run which put them up 5-14. From there, the Falcons started to pick it up but it wasn’t enough. The Indians ran away with the second set, winning 15-25.
The Falcons came out strong in the third set not wanting to get off to another bad start. They took an early lead of 15-7 but the set was far from over. The Indians began battling back and cut the Falcons lead to 20-17. But the Falcons ended up closing out the set and won 25-20 on a shot from the Indians that got blocked by sophomore Felicity Brown.
In the fourth set, the Indians wouldn’t go down without a fight. While the set was neck and neck the Indians managed to make a run towards the end to put them up 18-24. The next three points were all close but won by the Falcons. The score was 21-24 and the next point was intense and filled with great shots and clutch plays from both sides. Unfortunately for the Falcons, the set ended on a ball that deflected off the roof and landed on their side.
“The fourth set everyone was mad. We were up and then we went down by a lot. We all just wanted to win the game and go home,” said senior Lindsey Jones.
The Falcons were ready to bring home a win as they took off in the set, going up 5-0. This run from the Falcons got the crowd involved and the energy in the gym picked up. The Falcons never let up on their run and won the set 15-9 on a kill from Lindsey.
“We had some weaknesses in our defense and our passing. What helped us win was our grit and determination. It is hard to go five sets but the girls dug deep and we gritted it out,” said coach Lisa Hudson. “It was a nail-biter for sure because it was a win-or-go-home game and we definitely want to keep playing so I am excited we were able to pull it out.”
