Patriots survive scare

Anyone thinking that the Albemarle volleyball team had its ticket punched to the Northwest Region tournament can probably put those thoughts rest after Tuesday night’s scare.

The Patriots advanced to the second round of the Commonwealth District tournament with their 3-2 win, but got all they could handle from visiting Stafford.

“That was probably our weakest match of the year,” said Albemarle coach Mark Ragland. “We did not serve well, we did not receive well and did not pass well. When you don’t do those things — the core of volleyball — you find yourself in a hole.”

After dropping the first game, Albemarle appeared to have righted the ship by taking the next two in convincing fashion.

However, in game four, the Patriots fell to a 11-4 deficit and were forced to a fifth and final game.

“Our team’s success hinges on what kind of emotional energy we bring to the court,” Ragland said. “We have some talent but none of that is much good if you don’t follow through with the emotional energy.”

It was at that point that something clicked for Albemarle. In the fifth game, the Patriots looked like they had in previous weeks and wrapped up the win 15-6.

“In the fifth game I think they realized their season might end and they found that energy,” Ragland said. “It’s just a different team when they find it.”

Hitters Laura Gomez and Kara Elder found their form in the fifth game. The senior tandem was quiet in the early part of the match but combined for 31 kills by the end of the night.

“Laura did a really nice job of cutting around the block,” said setter Abby Hendrix. “Both [Gomez and Elder] really wanted to win tonight. They’re my main hitters and they really wanted it especially in that fifth game.

Hendrix had a big game herself. The junior chipped in a staggering 40 assists to along with her five aces.

Mental mistakes aside, one big problem for the Patriots was handling the Indians’ serves.

“Our serving was on tonight,” said Stafford coach Demaris Brown. “That was the biggest reason we won those two matches.”

Michelle Mancari was a thorn in the Patriots’ side. The junior led the way on defense and also contributed five aces.  She also contributed seven kills and six assists.

“We walked in this gym and gave them every thing we could,” Brown said. “We’ve never taken a game from Albemarle. It’s a good way for my seniors to go out.”

Albemarle will play the winner of the match between Brooke Point and Riverbend in the district semifinals on Saturday at Colonial Forge at 3:30 p.m.