Mid-Carolina Rebels Dominate in Rivalry Match Against Newberry Bulldogs
NEWBERRY — It was a vibrant Tuesday evening at Newberry High School, where excitement buzzed in the air as the gym filled with enthusiastic fans ready for one of the season’s most anticipated matchups. In a thrilling showdown, the Mid-Carolina lady Rebels made a fantastic statement by sweeping the Newberry lady Bulldogs with a decisive 3-0 victory, grabbing bragging rights in this cross-town rivalry.
A Close Start, But Rebels Take Control
As the teams stepped onto the court, you could sense the tension and energy from both sides. The game kicked off with both squads exchanging points, showcasing their skills and determination. The first set was a nail-biter that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
After a fierce exchange of points, the Rebels managed to pull ahead, capitalizing on some critical plays to seal the set at 25-21. It was evident that the lady Rebels were here to compete, igniting their fanbase and giving them something to cheer about.
Rebels Rally After a Second Set Timeout
The second set could have been a turning point for the Bulldogs as they raced to an early lead of 11-4. However, the lady Rebels demonstrated plenty of heart by calling a timeout. This break allowed them to regroup and plan their next moves, turning the tide of momentum dramatically.
Coming out of the timeout, the Rebels launched into a remarkable 21-7 run, showcasing teamwork and sharp plays that ultimately led them to win the second set 25-19. As the cheers and chants from their fans echoed within the gym, the Rebels had firmly taken the lead in the match.
Third Set: Rebels Secure the Win
The Rebels didn’t let up in the third set. Fueled by their earlier success, they maintained the pressure, pushing hard against the Bulldogs. The noise from the lively student section at Newberry fizzled out as the Rebels displayed their dominance, finishing the third set at 25-21, thus concluding the match with a clean sweep.
On the Rebels’ side, the standout player of the night was Josalyn Gallman, whose performance was essential in clinching the victory. For the Bulldogs, Kaydee Rivers made her mark with multiple aces while Syrenity Trapp was a rock on defense, blocking or contesting nearly every shot the Rebels attempted.
Looking Ahead
With this win, the lady Rebels now hold an impressive record of 6-3, 1-0 in the season and are preparing to face Abbeville on Thursday, September 21st. Coach Michael Hansen expressed pride in his team’s performance in such a challenging environment, acknowledging that playing in front of a rambunctious crowd is no easy feat. “That crowd is awesome for a hometown crowd, and I told them to block that out to do what they can to eliminate that out,” he shared.
On the flip side, the Bulldogs, with a record of 2-7, 1-2, are not without hope. They’re gearing up quickly for a rematch against Batesburg-Leesville this Wednesday, a chance for redemption and to bounce back from this tough loss.
Bulldogs’ Coach Mary Ayres remained optimistic despite the defeat. “Mid-Carolina is one of our top rivals, and they always put up a good game. But we really hung tough tonight. We had some great blocks in the middle with Serenity Trapp and Kella Balliste, and some impressive serves by Kaydee Rivers,” Ayres noted.
A Rivalry that Continues
The excitement doesn’t end here! The lady Bulldogs will have a chance to even the score when they head to Mid-Carolina on October 5th for the second round of this thrilling rivalry. The stage is set for another dramatic battle!
For those looking forward to more intense volleyball action, stay tuned; the season is just getting started!
