By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, Sept. 21 — Who says rivalries don’t matter? In one of the most exhilarating volleyball games that might be played by either team all season… the Luray Bulldogs came back from a 2-0 deficit to claim the last three sets and a Bull Run District match at cross-county rival Page on Thursday night.
The atmosphere in the PCHS gymnasium was electric, from the singing of the national anthem by a Page junior varsity volleyball player to the fifth and final frame that went down to the last point. Student sections cheered and jeered, and the nearly-capacity crowd joined in on each point, and nearly every volley.
Despite the fact that Page County sits slightly behind Luray in the Bull Run District standings, the Panthers came out playing inspired volleyball, backed by a vocal student section. Page jumped out to a 12-2 lead in the opening set, including an 8-0 run, and could seemingly do no wrong. Three-straight aces served by Luray senior Summer Forder (and later two kills during the set) prompted a slow comeback that fell just short. The Panthers’ lead could not be overcome and the home team claimed the first frame 25-21.
The second set was more evenly played, as the score was tied eight times until Page pulled ahead 14-13 and never relinquished the lead. Page senior Destiny Wright recorded two of her five kills on the night in the second set, which the Panthers won by the same margin, 25-21.
The third set was a complete reversal. Not only did Luray win the set to extend the match, but they did so by 14 points. The 25-11 set was the only lop-sided segment of the match. LHS senior Gracie Embry got going with two of her nine kills on the night in the third set.
The fourth set was more competitive than the third. Luray pulled away at 12-11, after seven previous ties. Page remained close and was only down 22-18 late. However, the Bulldogs would go on a quick 3-0 run to close out the set, 25-18, and force a fifth and final frame. Luray’s Embry and Forder combined for seven kills during the set, while Page County’s Adryn Martin had three kills and a key block.
The fifth and deciding set is always played to 15 points, rather than 25. So when Page jumped out to a 4-1 lead, the crowd was going wild. However, Luray came back to tie it at 4-4. Two kills by sophomore Addyson Wyant helped fuel another Page push to an 11-6 lead — the Panthers were only four points from a key district win over their rival at home in front a rowdy full house.
But the Bulldogs would play the roll of spoilers during Page’s homecoming week — as well as the role of “comeback kids” after being down 2-0. Luray went on a 9-2 run to finish out the final frame, winning 15-13, and claiming the district match, 3-2.
Luray was lead by seniors Forder and Embry, who combined for 19 kills and eight aces (pretty evenly split). Page County was lead by Martin, who recorded seven kills, five blocks and an ace. Fellow seniors Faith Mason and Wright each had five kills for the Panthers.
With the win, Luray moves to 8-4 on the season and 4-2 in the Bull Run. Next up, the Bulldogs will host Clarke County on Tuesday, Sept. 26, before traveling to Rappahannock County on Thursday, Sept. 28.
With the loss, Page County falls to 4-8 on the season and 2-4 in the Bull Run. Next up, the Panthers travel to Madison County on Tuesday, Sept. 26, before hosting Mt. View on Thursday, Sept. 28 and Randolph-Macon Academy on Friday, Sept. 29.
For full schedules, rosters and standings — check out the Bull Run District website.
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