Patriots subdue Bears

The Albemarle volleyball team got off to a slow start on Tuesday night, dropping the first game to Commonwealth District opponent Riverbend. The Patriots would rebound and take the next three games and eventually the match, 3-1 (23-25, 25-16,
25-20, 25-23).
The Bears got off to a 10-3 lead early in the first game and rode that momentum to an early lead, but the Patriots, the defending Group AAA champions, dominated the next three games.
“We struggled early with our attack. We were hitting a lot of balls out of bounds,” said veteran Albemarle coach Mark Ragland. “Our hitting came around and our passing got better as the night went on.”
Hannah Lawson and Abby Hendrix both had big nights for Albemarle, showing tremendous teamwork throughout the match. Lawson finished the night with 25 kills and four blocks, while Hendrix recorded 48 assists.
“Lawson had a big night,” Ragland said. “She’s a very smart player and did a great job of putting the ball in good places and hitting the ball hard.”
The Patriots were poised down the stretch and rallied to come back for the game and the match after falling behind 19-15 in the fourth game. Megan Napolitano came up big with the final few points and ended the game with 11 kills overall.
Cindy Ehrich of Riverbend had a solid performance adding 13 digs and two aces of her own. Kelsey Wolfrey also attributed with 8 kills, 8 blocks and three aces.
“We were outplayed tonight by a great team,” said Riverbend coach Kim Rolling.
The Patriots (6-4) will try to keep their momentum going as they travel to Commonwealth District foe Brooke Point on Thursday.