Volleyball: Ridge View loses to Blythewood in Region 4-4A finale | The State

In the final Region 4-4A match of the 2008 season for both teams, the RidgeView Blazers traveled to Blythewood to take on the Bengals on Thursday,10/23/08. The Bengals came into the match at 8-1 in the region, needing a winto assure a tie for first place with the Rock Hill Bearcats, who were also8-1. The Blazers entered the match at 5-4 in the region, and would remain in3rd place regardless of a win or loss. In the previous meeting between thesetwo teams, Blythewood prevailed in 3 close sets (25-23, 25-22, 25-21).

The first set stayed close in the early stages with Blythewood maintaining a2-point lead at 16-14. The Bengals widened the margin by scoring 3 straightpoints to go up 19-14, and went on to win the set 25-17. The Bengals came outsizzling in set 2, building a 21-5 lead, and playing a nearly perfect set.They used strong net play and aggressive hitting to overpower the Blazers formost of this set. The Blazers rallied, scoring 7 unanswered points to get towithin 9 points at 21-12, but the Bengals rebounded to win the set 25-14. Set3 saw Ridge View turn up their game using good court coverage and somewell-placed hitting, to get out to a healthy 19-13 lead. As good teamsnormally do, Blythewood made their comeback, scoring 4 straight points to getwithin 2 at 17-19, ultimately tying the score at 21. Ridge View answered,scoring a pair to go up 23-21, but could not hold off the hard-chargingBengals, as they scored the final 4 points of the set to win 25-23.

For Ridge View, senior outside hitter Lauren Fink tied for the team-lead with7 kills and 3 service aces with sophomore middle blocker Keyaira Stevenson.Junior setter Megan Woodall collected a team-leading 11 defensive digs, andadded a pair of serve aces. Junior outside hitter Hannah Cox contributed 5kills and 8 digs. Senior middle blocker Shatoya White was a strong defensiveforce at the net with 2 solo blocks and 3 block assists in the match.

Selected as leading players for this match by the Bengals' head coach weresetter Caleen Hawkins and middle blocker Andrea Keesee. The win movesBlythewood's overall record to 21-4-1, and 9-1 in the region. The loss dropsRidge View's overall record to 13-7, and region mark to 5-5.

Ridge View Stats:

Lauren Fink (OH) 7 Kills, 3 Aces, 7 Digs.Megan Woodall (S) 17 Assists, 1 Kill, 2 Aces, 11 Digs, 2 Block assists.Keyaira Stevenson (MB) 7 Kills, 3 Aces, 7 Digs.Hannah Cox (OH) 5 Kills, 1 Ace, 8 Digs, 1 Assist.Jordan Dopp (RS) 1 Assist.Shatoya White (MB) 2 Aces, 4 Digs, 1 Assist, 2 Block solo, 3 Block assists.Ryann Dopp (DS) 4 Digs.Vanessa Woods (DS) 6 Digs.Chanell Rose (OH/RS) 1 Kill, 2 Aces, 1 Block solo, 1 Block assist.Diara Lewis (MB) 1 Dig, 1 Block solo.