(Oakland, IA) — The Riverside Bulldogs swept the Lady Reds in three sets to claim their spot in the 2A Region 7 finals (25-12, 25-22, 25-21).
After a commanding first set win by Riverside, The Missouri Valley Lady Reds were able to keep it close for the rest of the contest. Missouri Valley had a late lead in the second set 22-21, but a four-point rally from the Bulldogs put them up two sets to none. Riverside head coach Brooke Flathers says they needed to focus on one step at a time:
In the third set, Missouri Valley was able to keep within fighting distance most of the way through, but Riverside’s lethal attacking was as dangerous as ever. Junior Sydney Somers and company were getting kills from every part of the floor. Riverside was up 22-21 and scrapped together a three-point rally to take the match. Somers credits the team’s chemistry:
Riverside now rolls out the red carpet to the regional finals, a place that isn’t unfamiliar to the Riverside Bulldogs. Flathers says they’re ready to return to the regional championship:
Riverside will face Aplington-Parkersburg for a chance at the state tournament on Wednesday at Van Meter.
