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Sports

Raider Volleyball Advances to District Championship

The Raiders Will Face the Spartans in the Dulles District 2010 Semi-Final Match-up



For the third year in a row the Loudoun County High School Raiders volleyball team defeated Freedom in the semi-final round of the Dulles District tournament. After dropping the first game 25-21 the Raiders fought back to win the next three 25-20, 25-23, and 25-22. While Freedom's Eagles have struggled in the past few years, this match-up proved to be a significant sign of things to come in the next year.

"They are 100% better, their offense is more diverse and they're a more consistent team" Raiders head coach Jenica Matthias commented after the match. Power hitters led The Raiders; junior Jenna Strange, sophomore Taylor Huewe and freshman Maggie Phillips. Clutch player of the match was junior Katrina Kirby, who executed a game ending hit in game two, and a huge block to win game three for the Raiders.

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Senior Kathleen Horvath also delivered a key dig at the end of game three to keep the Raiders alive and secure the win. Thursday night's games proved to be difficult to win against an improving Freedom team. Junior Jasmine Jackson was a player to watch this match, with a forceful serve and threatening hits. Although the Eagles are out of the district tournament with the loss, they clinched a regional bid after defeating Potomac Falls Tuesday night.

The Raiders will face the Broad Run Spartans for the Dulles District Championship on Saturday at 7pm on Loudoun County's home court. Matthias said the Raiders will take "the momentum from the win" and carry it into the next match, "Broad Run is a whole different team, and we have to change our focus and work on our weaknesses then take what we see from game film and do what we have to do in order to win."

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