By Jimmy Thomas
Content Editor, DigitalSports.com

**Check Below the Story for a Video Player With Highlights of the Game**

Herndon needed two games in extra points but defeated defending Northern Region champion -- and Virginia AAA state runner-up --  Langley in four games on Tuesday.

"I am really proud of how they hung in there and got the big points," Hornets Coach Pat Smith said. "They went out there and said, 'Hey, its do-or-die right now.' They hung in there and really stepped up."

Falling down early the Hornets stole the opening game, taking their first lead at 26-25 and winning the game on the following point.

The second game was back-and-forth as the two squads were tied six times and locked at 13 before Langley won seven of the next eight points taking the game, 25-20. 

Herndon jumped out to a 20-13 lead in Game 3 when the Saxons mounted another charge, as setter Nicki Hero served five consecutive points and hitter Logan Sebastian added four kills to pull the score even at 25.

The Hornets, however, never faltered as middle blocker Steph Drahozal seemed to tip the ball over her bigger counterparts in what seemed to be all the right spots. The Hornets went on to win the game in extra points, 29-27.

"[Drahozal] figured out that they were all bigger than she was and she used those tips to get to either side of those big blocks," Smith said.

With their confidence soaring, Game 4 was all Herndon. Middle Blocker Hannah Vick had four winners and her team went on to win the game, 25-20, to seal the match at three-games-to-one.

"It was good to see our team run as much offense as they did," Smith said. "I hope that this win will inspire the girls to keep working at that"