By Jimmy Thomas
Content Manager, Northern Region
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Stone Bridge Coach Jill Raschiatore tried not to make a big deal about Thursday’s match-up with last season’s Northern Region champion — and Liberty district foe — Langley. But with both teams entering the match undefeated in district play that was nearly impossible to do.
Despite a rowdy crowd in attendance for the Saxon’s Senior Night festivities, the Bulldogs fought back and took the match in dramatic fashion, 3-2.
“I had been trying to play it down,” Raschiatore said. “I know they read the papers and check the internet. The girls knew this was a big game and they were really pumped up to start the match.”
Langley, which came in riding an eight-game win steak, captured the first game, 25-12, and took an early, five-point lead in the second. But that’s when Stone Bridge began to battle back — as it did all night — to take Game 2, 28-18.
The Saxons rallied in the third game, and did not trail at any point in what proved a 25-22 victory. But it was in the fourth game where the momentum shifted in the Bulldogs’ favor. Langley held a 23-19 and seemed poised to end the match, but that was before Stone Bridge sophomore outside hitter Christine Beckham took over.
“She was on fire,” Raschiatore said of Beckham. “[Setter] Lilly Vera really made smart decisions and got her the ball whenever we could. They started to key on Christine and it helped everyone else to contribute. It was really a team win.”
The Bulldogs scored four of the next five points — and fought off two Saxon match-points — to win the fourth game, 26-24, and force a deciding fifth game. That final contest was never in question, though, as Stone Bridge won, 15-12, taking the match and tainting the Senior Night celebration in the process.
But with the Liberty District tournament just around the corner, these two teams will likely meet again down the road.
“I love playing against teams with great sportsmanship, “Raschiatore said just as Langley Coach Susan Shifflett congratulated her on the win. “When Langley has great passes and are setting to anyone they want, they are unstoppable. My gosh they are a tough team.
“Our girls were just determined tonight. It’s a game of momentum, and if we see them again it will come down to whatever team steps it up on the court that night.”
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