The West Henderson Falcon volleyball took a victory over the West Rowan Falcons in five sets in the North Carolina Class 3A regional game on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
West Henderson won the first two sets against their opponents. However, West Rowan didn’t give up as they won the next two sets. The game went to five sets, and on the fifth set, the score to win drops from 25 to 15. The set went back and forth between both Falcon teams. Both teams reached 14 points, meaning the winner would have to achieve 16 to win. Both teams then achieved 15 points, so the winner would have to have 17 to win. West Henderson was then able to keep West Rowan from scoring, and scored two more points to secure the title of regional champions.
“When that last set started I was hoping we were going to pull out on top,” senior Maci Clark said. “I had butterflies in my stomach and my head was pounding from screaming so much. Once we won, none of that mattered. All that mattered was that we are going to state and running out on the court to celebrate with the team. I’ve never been so excited for a sporting event in my whole life.”
West Henderson sat at 29-6 and sixth in the North Carolina Class 3A Rankings. West Rowan was undefeated on the season at 28-0 and first in the same rankings. West Henderson exceeded West Rowan in total number of blocks and serving aces on the year, while West Rowan had more kills, digs, assists and receptions.
“I was super excited and I felt like the whole team came together and worked really hard to have a great game between such a tough opponent,” junior Malia Moore said. I also feel like the student section is a big part of our program and team this year. They bring so much energy and get us really pumped up and through tough parts of our games.”
The West Henderson student section was gifted with a charter bus to go to the game, free Chick-Fil-A and free admission to the game from parents of the athletes on the volleyball team. In response, the student section roared “Thank you parents” before and after the game to show their gratitude.
“I had absolutely so much fun,” sophomore Addison Russell said. “I’m extremely thankful for the parents to be able to provide the means for us to go out and support the team in such a big away game.”
West Henderson will travel to take on the Chapel Hill Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 12:00 p.m. The Tigers are currently 26-1 and second in the North Carolina Class 3A Rankings. The game will be held at Fayetteville State University: a neutral site for both teams.
“I am super pumped for state; it’s always been a dream of mine, and for all the girls on the team to make it there, it all feels like it’s coming together and coming true,” Moore said. “Now all that’s left to do is go out there and bring it home to West and our program.”
By: Stone Hogan, Sports Editor
