Hampton-Dumont/CAL Volleyball Fall in Regionals Against Garner Hayfield Ventura
The Hampton-Dumont/CAL volleyball team fought to the bitter end in their first round regional matchup Monday night against the Garner Hayfield Ventura Cardinals as they forced the match to five sets. Despite the reliant effort, it would be the Cardinals who came out on top, ending the Bulldogs’ season.
The two sides met earlier in the season, with the Cardinals winning in a sweep. It would be a much more competitive contest this go-around. In set one, the teams traded points the whole way. The Bulldogs pulled ahead late to lead 24-22, with a chance to close out the first set. However, the Cardinals rattled off four straight points to steal the first set.
The Bulldogs remained undeterred in set two as they dominated from start to finish, winning 25-11. The key to the HD-CAL success was found at the service line, as juniors Addy Showalter and Aja Sheppard each put together long runs at the stripe to control the tempo.
Set three flipped the script again as the Cardinals seized control once again. GHV won set three 25-16, anchored by great front row play, specifically senior Morgan Ryerson who finished with four blocks. HD-CAL would once again respond though as they took set four 25-21.
In the decisive fifth set, GHV won the all-important coin toss to take first serve. They took that momentum and jumped out to an early 7-1 lead. Despite a late surge by the Bulldogs, the Cardinals closed out the fifth set and the match 15-12.
Senior Jaelyn Hickman led the Bulldogs with 15 kills while sophomore Gina Schmitt finished with 14 of her own. The Bulldogs’ fantastic service night resulted in 13 aces, seven of which coming from Showalter.
The Bulldogs finish the season with a record of 3-11.
