The Bruin girls, closing out their 2023 season at home, hosted the Rogue River Lady Chieftains Thursday evening, looking to put themselves in position to take the win as their season comes to an end.
The Bruin girls came out Thursday and attacked aggressively from the opening whistle, jumping out to an early 7-4 lead before the Lady Chieftains closed the gap to within one point at the midway point of the first set. Rogue River fought furiously late in the set, but the Bruin girls shut down their offense late to take the first set25-21.
As the second set started, the Bruin girls picked up from where they left off at the end of the first set, refusing to let the ball hit the floor on their side of the court and pounding the Lady Chieftains at the net. But Rogue River fought their way back to tie the game at 18-18 and again at 21-21 before the Bruin girls put the second set away 25-22 to take a two set lead going into the third set.
As the third set began, a sense of desperation traveled through the Lady Chieftains bench as Rogue River looked at possibly being swept in three sets, and jumped out to an early 7-10 lead. The Bruin girls stayed close, working the score to 20-21 before Rogue River put the set away 20-25.
Now sitting on a 2-1 set lead going into fourth set play, both teams seemed more focused than ever with the Bruin girls looking to end the match with a fourth set win as the Lady Chieftains fought to stay alive and send the match to a fifth set with a win. Rogue River kept the score close as the Bruin girls took a 10-9 lead early. The set would remain close through out, as the Bruin girls held on to their lead at 17-16 midway through the set. But the Bruin girls would show their resolve fighting through Rogue Rivers desperate attempts late, to take the fourth set win 25-23, to take the 3-1 match win.
“Tonight’s win was an exceptional team effort and great W to get at home to finish out the season. I was very proud of them, and I’m already looking forward to next season with so many returning starters and experienced players.” head coach Vanessa Nidiffer said after the match.
