In the high school’s main gym on Sept. 30, as fans from Hillsborough and Bridgewater filled the stands. Going into the midseason game, it was known that this would be a challenge for the Raiders. Bridgewater’s current 24-3 record can vouch for them that they weren’t willing to lose. Still, Hillsborough didn’t back down.
The game consisted of many close rallies, even going into three sets. Players from Hillsborough and Bridgewater performed fast spikes and quick fake outs. Head coach Cheryl Iaione shared her take on the game. “The kids tried their best, however it was a tough loss, there were too many errors and miss-serves.” Iaione said.
“The game had lots of intense moments, and both sides had put in their best effort,” Senior captain Abigail Fenton said. “We put everything into the game, and I think it went well.”
As the first set unfolded, the Raiders and the Panthers were going back and forth; the score remained even for the most part. When Bridgewater took the lead and started to go on an eight-point streak, they brought the set to 14-21. Hillsborough continued to fight back by winning 7 out of the next 10 matches, narrowing the gap to 22-24. “The games were very intense point by point, these were two really good teams facing each other,” Iaione said. However despite their great comeback, they lost the first set 22-25.
During the second set, the Raiders matched Bridgewater’s energy twofold. By the time the set was reaching an end, Hillsborough had a six-point lead ahead of Bridgewater. Leading 24-19, the team was able to win Set 2 by finishing off with a strong kill made by Fenton as their winning point at 25-19.
Going into the third and game-winning set, both teams were competing at their fullest potential. The court was filled with tension as everyone was putting in their best to win the match. After Set 3, Bridgewater won the game 2-1.
“Bridgewater is always a hard opponent to go against,” senior captain Cynthia Lei said, “but the game was fun, I like challenging games. We were underdogs and fought back just as hard.”
Other players weighed in. “The game felt good, it was a really good game,” Fenton added.
The Raiders ended their season with an 18-10 record. They played in the state championship tournament and won the first round 3-2 against East Brunswick High School. In the second round they faced Bridgewater in a thrilling rematch and won 3-2. The team’s season came to a close when they lost 3-0 against Hunterdon Central. As fourth in the league they played well offensively, having the most kills and assists against each opponent they faced.
