STUARTS DRAFT — On a night when her team looked like the better one on the court most of the night, Ridgeview Christian coach Nicki McClure saw an old issue rear its ugly head Monday, Oct. 19, in the VACA volleyball state quarterfinals.
In the fourth set, Ridgeview had match point at 24-23 against Roanoke Valley Christian and couldn't finish it off, losing 27-25 and en route to a fifth-and-deciding set.
"When we didn't close it out, momentum shifted," McClure said. "We were right there, but we have had an issue this season with closing out a set. I think we might get a little too comfortable."
Roanoke Valley went on to win the match 25-23, 19-25, 20-25, 27-25, 15-5.
Ridgeview had gone to five sets four previous times this season, winning all of them. They couldn't pull it off Monday, however. It was only the team's second loss of the year, both coming to Roanoke.
"It wasn't our night," McClure said. "The girls fought, but ultimately Roanoke fought when they needed to and put the ball on the court when it needed to."
Against Roanoke, Addy Woody, fresh off an MVP performance in the VACA North Regional tournament, had 12 kills and 43 digs. Kate Babinger had 11 kills, seven blocks and 36 digs, while Hannah Prewer finished with 12 kills, three blocks and 21 digs. Josi Woody added 22 assists and 25 digs, Abby Dean had 21 digs and four aces and Amaya Elijah had 17 assists, 17 digs and five kills.
Despite the loss, the season isn't over for Ridgeview. The Crusaders have been invited to a national tournament in Ohio at the end of October. The team will play at Cedarville University.
"This is exciting," McClure said. "That's probably why you don't see as many tears as you normally would because we still have two weeks to go."
Elijah and Dean are both seniors, as is Melanie Snyder, but those are the only three players this Ridgeview team loses to graduation. The experience in Ohio should benefit the returning players as they prepare for next season.
"I have absolutely loved this season with these girls," McClure said. "The fight that they have for each other, the love they have for each other ... they are just so encouraging for each other. They have fun together. We were able to do a lot of team bonding and enjoy time together. This has been a special season."
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Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com, on Instagram @hitepatrick and on TikTok @patrickfhite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.
This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Ridgeview comes up short in state volleyball, but season isn't over