by Bill Turner
First Patrick Henry got itself into a 2-0 hole, then fought back to win the next 2 games but then the Patriots fell just short in the last game in the Northwest Regional volleyball final against Freedom Saturday evening at the PH gym.
Freedom recovered in game five for the 25-22; 25-20; 10-25; 14-25; 15-9 win in front of a packed Patriot crowd. Both teams advanced to the state quarterfinals, with Patrick Henry having to go on the road to face the Eastern Region champion.
Saturday’s match saw Freedom easily take the first two game before PH regrouped to totally dominate the Eagles in games three and four. The deciding 15-point tiebreaker was even at 8 before Freedom rallied to outscore PH 7-1 down the stretch.
Sarah Miller led the Patrick Henry power attack with 19 kills, while Caroline Brailsford added 11 kills and set the Patriots at the net with 32 assists. Cathy Ren took advantage of the PH sets with 8 kills and Elizabeth Higgs pounded out 7.
Libero Morgan Robison held down the Patrick Henry back line bringing 17 digs off the hardwood.
