Royals rebound from first-set loss to top Dukes

The Lake Ridge Royals were able to come from behind twice in their victory over the Wellington Dukes on Sept. 30.

The Royals lost the first set to the Dukes, 25-20. But they were able to bounce back and tie the game with a 25-22 victory in the second set. They took the third LAKE RIDGE 3, WELLINGTON 1

set, 25-21, and closed out the 3-1 victory with a 25-18 win in the fourth set.

During the third set, the Royals were down, 4-0, early on. Wellington was determined to keep to bounce back after the second-set loss. However, Lake Ridge was able to come back from four down to win the third set.

During the comeback, the Royals were aggressive in getting to the ball. They had better communication, and their defense played well, which is one of things that stood out to Royals senior Sammie Ruggles.

“Our defense did a really nice job tonight of staying behind the ball and really pushing to get it to the center, and that’s really good,” Ruggles said. “Our team kind of has that mentality when we work together we can really put the ball away and push really hard on the other team. So just kind of jelling, and when we get a pass we’re go, go, go. It’s easy for us from there.”

One of the many turning points Lake Ridge head coach Robyn Dimacchia thought the team had was one she called timeouts, and believes that settled the team down, to play their game.

“It was one of those things where, you know, they’re struggling,” Dimacchia said on the team’s comeback. “There are a couple times where I call a time out and I’m like, “Hey, we have to make smart plays now.” So, you know, we’d hit three, four balls out in a row and then they turned around. They played smart. They played some smart ball and then we get the energy back and go from there. So, I was very happy with the way they would come back and just keep playing. They didn’t get down and let it affect them, they just kept playing.”

For Ruggles and the seniors, this is their last road game of the season. They are excited to be playing at home for the final two matches they have left at home as seniors.

Up next, Lake Ridge will play Lutheran West on Oct. 3. Wellington will play Columbia on Oct. 1 at home.