Liberty knocks off Perry in five-set volleyball thriller

By Rebecca Daly

Lead Volleyball Writer

The Liberty volleyball program won a thrilling match against Perry. (Rebecca Daly/Hypamark)

The gymnasium was booming from players on the bench and fans in the bleachers from both sides at the Perry High school volleyball court tonight. The game was like tug-of-war with Liberty sealing the win after a thrilling five sets, bringing them 3-1 on the season.

Liberty won the first two neck-in-neck sets, Perry answered back, staying in the game taking the next two sets, then liberty sealed the win in the last set. Within each set, both teams had some successful runs.

In the first two sets, both teams were working like well-oiled machines, and as Liberty got ahead, Perry answered back to each point with some impressive blocks and kills from senior opposite hitter and outside hitter McKaley Herr. Ultimately, Liberty came out on top in the first two sets, which both ended with a score of 26-24.

“We had momentum, we were just inconsistent at times. A little bit lackluster sometimes on the service line, things like that, so it’s really important for us to just keep building our identity here,” Perry Head Coach, Andrew Yamashiro said.

Perry fought to stay in the game, gaining momentum at the end of the third set, taking the set 25-20. The fans of the home team in the bleachers went crazy.

Perry kept their momentum, dominating the fourth set 25-19. The energy was high on both sides at this point, with the match tied 2-2. 

Liberty went into the last set with “next-ball mentality”, according to 4-year varsity player Tristen Raymond. “A game doesn’t define how we are and fighting through the adversity really helped us,” said Raymond.

Raymond was heating up in the last few sets, spreading energy to the rest of her teammates. She was a big part of the 15-7 finish, with three kills near the end of the fifth set.

“Now she’s like the senior leader, so we will go as a team as far as she wants to take us. She’s been a great leader and mentor for all our young kids, not only on the court but off the court, as well,” Liberty Head Coach, Chris Brown said.

Liberty took home the victory for the second year in a row after visiting Perry. The team has the next six days to celebrate their win and prepare for their next matchup at Mountain View, looking to add to its 3-game winning streak. 

“Perry is a great team. So, playing a team like that and staying composed through it all just shows that they want to see it through. They trust this process, they continue to battle in practice. We know what our goal is, and we want to see that through but tomorrow it's back to 0-0,” said Brown.