Hamilton volleyball takes down Perry in 5-set thriller

By Rebecca Daly

Staff Writer

Hamilton won a thriller over Perry in five sets Tuesday night. (Hayden Coyle/Staff)

The neck-in-neck matchup between Hamilton and Perry girls volleyball could have been anyone’s game. Going into five sets, Hamilton came out on top winning the match 3-2 on Perry’s home court.

The match was like a volleyball rally in itself with Perry taking the first set 25-20. Hamilton answered back taking the win in the second set 25-21, then Perry took the third set 25-20. Hamilton kept itself in the game by winning the fourth set 25-21.

According to Hamilton Head Coach Sharon Vanis, the Huskies tend to fall behind in games. However, as the game progresses, they figure out a way to gain momentum, and are capable of surpassing the deficit.

“They were so resilient, they didn’t give up, they fought hard. Perry is legit, but we were able to come back on their home court, and hopefully our girls gained confidence tonight,” Vanis said.

In an intense fifth set Perry had a strong 7-2 lead, but Hamilton was able to tie it up 11-11. There was a call that resulted in a point for Perry, which did not sit right with Hamilton senior outside hitter Raegan Richardson. In the next play, she got a kill that set the Huskies up for success. 

Hamilton eventually took back the lead and ended the final set 16-14, winning the game.

“That last call was rough, but I just went for the same swing again, to be like ‘hey, we’re still in it’. And that’s our mindset, to just finish games,” Richardson said. 

Richardson is this week's Athlete’s Unlimited Player of the Game. She led her team to the win, standing out with her skills and teamwork throughout the five sets. She is verbally committed to California State University, Northridge, where she will continue to play volleyball.

“She’s only been here for two years, but she’s a kid I can count on. I can rely on to hold her teammates accountable. It’s like I had her for 10 years, I think we’re on the same page with a lot of things, and she wants to win,” Vanis said.

Hamilton came into this match with a 5-4 record as the 17th ranked team in the state, just ahead of Perry holding the 18th spot at 6-3. This win for Hamilton puts them in a better spot as they pass the halfway point of the season.

“Our slogan is ‘It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish’, so I think each game, we’ve gotten better and better and have grown more as a team,” Richardson said.