Falcons’ volleyball season ends with loss to No. 1 seed in 3rd round

The No. 1 ranked Dorman Cavaliers ended the Nation Ford Falcons volleyball season with a 3-0 win (25-21, 25-17, 25-16) in the third round of the 5A state playoffs.

Nation Ford had come into the third round winning six straight sets in the playoffs with sweeps over Boiling Springs and J.L. Mann.

“We had the 15th ranked team in the nation nervous,” said Nation Ford head coach Carrie Christian. “We are young and I am proud of our girls. We hadn't been on this big of a stage before. I am proud of their fight.”

Nation Ford opened the first set going right at Dorman, which had not lost to an instate opponent all season. Both teams played to a 5-5 tie early in the first set and then kept pace with each other from that point. Both squads struggled with serving the ball long, as the Cavaliers took a slight 11-9 lead, but Nation Ford didn't let them pull away again tying things up at 11.

The Falcons did pull out to a 15-12 lead over Dorman, but again the home team charged back to tie the set and eventually pushed Nation Ford into a time out leading 19-17. Dorman came out of the time out and was able to keep momentum in their corner as they pulled away, despite the Falcons staying within striking distance, to get the 25-21 win.

Dorman's strength at the net helped to carry them to the win. The Cavaliers were able to set up shots, which Nation Ford had trouble handling on the returns leading to a second set time out trailing 15-11.

The Cavaliers opened the third set 5-0 after winning the first two sets and again used their strengths at the net to take command of things early and never really look back. Nation Ford at times stayed close at 15-12, but Dorman stayed the course for a third set win at 25-16.

Turning point

After winning the opening set, Dorman started the second set strong as well jumping out to a 5-1 start as Nation Ford struggled with their returns and allowing easy kills for the Cavaliers. Dorman again carried that momentum to a second set win 25-17.

Critical

Nation Ford's ability to rally and stay with Dorman was critical to put pressure on the Cavaliers. The Falcons did struggle at times with communicating and the play at the net, which Dorman took advantage of. Nation Ford would flash moments of strength, but weren't consistent enough to keep up with the Cavaliers.

On deck

Nation Ford ended its season at 22-20-1 for the year. Dorman will go on to host the Upper State championships where it will play TL Hanna.

Box score

Dorman, 3, Nation Ford 0

Nation Ford 21;17;16;-;0

Dorman 25;25;25;-;3

Records

Nation Ford 22-20-1; Dorman 44-2.

This story was originally published November 4, 2016 at 7:13 PM with the headline "Falcons’ volleyball season ends with loss to No. 1 seed in 3rd round."