By Erik Harris
GARDENDALE – It was a match full of runs that visiting Hewitt-Trussville claimed in three sets. The Huskies went through Gardendale by a count of 25-20, 25-17 and 25-22 to take the series.
“I’ve been on the varsity and played at this gym for three years and this is the first year that we’ve actually beat them at their place,” Hewitt-Trussville setter Trinity Roper said.
Even with two wins under their belt, the decisive third set wouldn’t come easy for Roper and the Huskies. After building an early 9-3 advantage, Hewitt-Trussville opened the door for a big Rocket comeback.
“We kind of lost our focus, but (Gardendale) picked their game up. We can’t lose it because that’s a good team,” Hewitt-Trussville coach Katie Riggins said.
Gardendale fought back to take a 20-18 advantage, but that’s where it all changed. The visitors marched on to a 7-2 run that ended the third set and sent Hewitt-Trussville home with a win.
That burst of momentum was a trend. The Huskies started the evening fast in Set 1, taking a commanding lead out of the gate, but eventually had to stave off a spirited Rockets comeback.
Perhaps the biggest momentum swing came midway through the second set when Hewitt-Trussville exploded on a 10-0 run after trailing for much of the set. That burst seemed to carry over into the final frame, setting the table for a tough road win.
“We all started talking more, started hustling more and we just build up and build up and we knew we could win in the end,” Roper said.
Roper finished the evening with a pair of assists. Meagan Edwards went for a team-high 11 assists while adding seven digs and four kills. Katie Edwards led the team with eight digs.
Charyse Swann set the tone for the Huskies with seven kills, followed by Jordan Somers and Rhianna Tyldesley who both recorded six kills. Junior Josie Lyster also came through with five kills.
The Huskies open Class 7A, Area 6 play next Tuesday when Vestavia Hills visits Bryant Bank Arena.
“I’m looking forward to it. We’ve been thinking about (area play) the whole time, so hopefully we’ll be turning a corner when we get ready to play them,” Riggins said.
Follow Erik Harris on Twitter @jeharris2.