The Riverside Bulldogs won three straight sets agains the CAM Cougars to advance to the regional final Monday Night. Out of the gate the energy and intensity was vibrant with a crowded gym to watch the match. In the opening set both teams played their best all season. Both teams would score and get an immediate response from the other side. Players like Eva Steffensen who had 13 kills and 16 digs found holes riddled throughout the Bulldog back row. But, the 7 blocks in the first set from Riverside would be too much to overcome and Riverside won the first set 25-22.

In the second set Riverside seemed smooth in all aspects of their game. They had 10 kills with the help of Sophia Taylor who on the night had 8 kills, 2 digs, 1 block, 1 assist and Bentley Rone with 11 kills, 4 aces, 5 digs, 2 blocks. The front row for Riverside seemed unstoppable and they took the second set 25-10.

When the third set came, the Cougars came roaring back with intensity. It was similar to the first set with each team going back and forth. Late in the set Riverside was up 19-12 and CAM went on a 7-point run to tie it 19 all. Riverside Head Volleyball Coach Brooke Flathers called a time out to talk with her squad. Riverside came out of the time out composed and held on to a slim lead winning 25-22.

When the match ended, Coach Flathers had nothing but respect for the way CAM played and the intensity between the two squads.

Flathers also commented on the pace and competitiveness of the match.

Now Riverside is on the road to Van Meter to where they face off against the (35-3) Ankeny Christian Eagles. Coach Flathers want to get back to practice and find more ways to improve.

The Regional Final is on Wednesday October 25th at 7pm. The match will be covered by KJAN.