Caledonia Battles Tough But Falls In Section 1A Title Match
The Caledonia Warriors knew they were going to be in a fight against a very good Bethlehem Academy squad. The first two sets went into extra points, but the Warriors just didn't get the bounces to go their way, falling 3-1.
These two teams left everything on the court. They were diving for volleyballs all over the court, making great plays at the net and never giving up on any point.
The Cardinals and Warriors were tied 29 times in the first two sets, which really shows how close their match was. The Cardinals took the first set 28-26, after leading a majority of it. Caledonia came back and tied it up at 24. Caledonia took a lead at 25-24 and 26-25, but just couldn't close it.
Set 2, saw much of the same, but this time Caledonia was able to close it out with a 29-27 win. The teams tied 19 times in the second set, and the Warriors got some great play from Katie Tornstrom, Madisyn Heaney, Adrianna Reinhart and Isabel Allen. The Warroirs used that momentum to jump out to a quick lead in the third set.
Another back and fourth battle in the third set turned toward the Cardinals favor as they jumped out a 17-16 lead. The Cardinals carried that out to a 25-19 win in the third set to take a 2-1 lead. Mary Campbell was excellent for the Cardinals, and that was the point their offense really started to click. Laney Donahue was great as well, digging everything in the back row and generating some offense in the front row.
In set four, the Cardinals led the entire time, including a lead of 17-10 where it looked like they were going to finish it off. Yet, the Warriors did not go down without a fight, and went on a huge run to tie it up at 21. That 11-4 run brought a ton of life back into the arena, and then the Warriors took a 23-22 lead. Yet, the Cardinals came back and scored the last three points to get the win 25-23.
A great effort and incredible season for the Warriors who left everything on the court, and it was a very entertaining match to watch.
KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Caledonia) - Madisyn Heaney
KFIL Subway Player of the Game (Bethlehem Academy) - Mary Campbell
Kingsley Mercantile Game Ball (Caledonia) - Adrianna Reihart