Sports
Controversial Call Ends Hillsborough's Season
Raiders' run comes to stunning end after officials rescind what would have been clinching point.
The Hillsborough High School boys volleyball team lost in heartbreaking fashion—2-1 to St. Joseph of Metuchen Friday in the NJSIAA Central Jersey championship at Hillsborough High School. A controversial call was the difference when Hillsborough had thought it won, but the point was rescinded after the officials said a Raider stepped on the line.
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Final
St. Joseph
21
25
29
2
Hillsborough
25
22
27
1
IN SHORT
After Hillsborough won the first game, St. Joseph rallied to capture the second and level the match. The third game went back-and-forth and the Raiders held the advantage for the majority of the frame. Trailing 12-10, Hillsborough reeled off five straight points to take a 15-12 advantage. The Raiders held the lead and were one point away from sealing a victory before they surrendered two straight points to tie the set at 24.
The final five points were back-and-forth, but the controversy came with Hillsborough up 25-24. After officials gave Hillsborough what was believed to be the winning point, they quickly conferred and overturned the call. The officials claimed that one of Hillsborough’s players stepped on the mid-line before going for the kill. The Raiders had already begun their celebration before they realized that the point had been taken away.
RAIDER OF THE GAME
Mike Warn had 18 kills to go along with six digs and four blocks.
OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES
Travis Haynes continued his hot play with 13 kills and two digs.
Frank Batula recorded 44 assists with five digs and four blocks. Also had a nice fake set that was just saved by a St. Joe player that occurred during one of the best and final rallies in the third game.
Josh Himelfarb had three aces and eight digs.
COACH’S TAKE
“My only comment is that the officials decided this game. To give them a second opportunity like that on a bad call is just terrible. If you want a story, talk to the officials because they decided the outcome of the game.”-Head coach Todd Sudol on the controversial call that overturned his team’s winning point.
The officials were unavailable for comment after the game.
