Exciting was the name of the game at FHN for a varsity volleyball showdown between FHC and FHN.

In a tight matchup throughout the night, FHC (9-4 overall) lost in a match that was certainly worth the price of admission. The Rangers fell to 1-2 this season versus FHN.

The action started right from the first serve. Towards the end of the 1st set, with both teams deadlocked, someone needed to step up for the Rangers.  Junior Mackenzie Mcdonald stepped up big time. Mackenzie first took advantage of a ball lobbed her way, and spiked it past the FHN defenders. A few plays later, FHN made a push to win the set.  Mackenzie, again, got set up in the same scenario, and finished with the another big time kill. The Rangers would go on to take the first set 25-23 to start off the match on the right note.

Coach Lauren Heinz was very pleased with how Mackenzie played today.

“Mackenzie really stepped it up,” Heinz said. “This was definitely her best game of the season so far.”

Mackenzie was equally satisfied after her performance in the rivalry game.

“I think I played well tonight,” Mackenzie said. “I was glad I could contribute to helping the team as much as possible. I feel like I’ve been getting stronger and better in practices, and tonight it showed and I had more success tonight than I’ve previously had.”

The 2nd set started off with FHC going down early. After battling to get it to within 3, FHC went on a quick 4-0 run to make it 24-23. The Rangers totally turn the tables, thanks to big time plays by seniors Sabrina Harrison, Bri Tilton, and Reese Weslow. Although the Rangers would lose the 2nd set 26-24, FHC fought through adversity to put FHN on the brink of being down 2 sets.

The 3rd set was anything but competitive. FHC jumped out to a 5-0 lead ,and never looked back. The Rangers cruised to a 25-9 blowout to take the 3rd set and put FHC up in sets 2-1.

FHC came out of the huddle before the 3rd set fired up.

“I said “hey it’s not over”,” Heinz said. “We’re not celebrating until the match is over, and they [FHN] are gonna come back out ready to go.”

The 4th set wassimilar to the 3rd in score.  Only this time, it was FHN who took control. The 3rd set started off 3-3, but the Huskies went on to take the set 25-11.

FHC battled, but lost their edge and momentum early. A 5th set would be needed to determine the winner of the heated contest.

“We came out lackadaisical,” Bri said. “We thought that we had the set and didn’t keep the momentum and energy on our side. We started to play lazy.”

The 5th, and final, set started with lots of excitement. The Husky crowd set the tone for the winner take all finale.

“It was really fun,” Sabrina said. “At home, we don’t always have the biggest student section. Having all the energy in the gym really helped keep up the momentum.”

FHC started the set leading 3-1. As play continued, FHC and FHN would trade points back and forth, until the score was all tied up at 8 apiece. With the home crowd behind them, the Huskies slowly pulled away and won the final set 15-9.

The Rangers now look ahead to their next opponent, the Northview Wildcats at home on September 20th.

“The key is going to be a strong outside block,” Bri said. “They have a really good sophomore hitter. She’s gonna be their best player, so closing the block to the outside is key.”