Raiders Volleyball Topple Lady Hawks in Counties

The River Dell Lady Hawks fell victim to Ramapo in the county quarterfinals at Old Tappan on Oct. 27, losing 25-13 and 25-23.  After building a 15-9 lead in the second, the Hawks saw their lead disappear along with their dreams of a county championship.

Ramapo won the first set easily 25-13 then came back to win the second after trailing by six in the middle of the set. 

"We just know how to battle back," said Coach Dave Van Hook.  "We're just used to it right now, we're not gonna give up."

The Raiders battled back to tie the game at 17, then ended a back-and-forth battle and putting away the Hawks 25-23.

Ramapo looked dominant in the first set after going down 3-0 to start the game.  From that point on they outscored the Hawks 25-10 to get a quick set one victory.  The Raiders did a great job spreading the wealth and setting up all of their teammates throughout the set.

After the game, River Dell coach Dianne Furusawa talked about how all of the Raiders were hitting well, allowing them to attack from a lot of different angles. 

"They came here to make a statement. They just played really well; all of their girls were hitting," said Furusawa.

After the set one loss, the 6^th seeded Hawks were not about to lay down and let Ramapo waltz into the semis.  Coach Furusawa had simple words of encouragement for her team before the second set. 

"(I) Told them that it's up to them and that they had to start to play."

In set two the Hawks started to play like they know how to, and helped them get out to an early lead.  Great play from junior Kate Brock and smart dunk shots over the tall Ramapo front line allowed the Hawks to get out to a six point lead.

Coach Van Hook talked about how his team has fought back from behind throughout the season. 

"In the face of the adversity in the second set of being down six, we've been there all year," said the coach.  And much like they have done all year, the Raiders were able to pull out the victory.

Ramapo looked to their big hitter, Kincade, in the second to help get them back in the game.  After a couple big kills Kincade aced the Hawks with a beautifully placed serve then hit another big serve to tie the game at 17.  Both coaches talked about the great play of the senior MB after the game.

"Nicole is just a phenomenal player," said Furusawa. 

"These are the games where she needs to step up, and she does step up," said Van Hook.  "She just wanted the ball, she wanted a block.  She played excellent."

Kincade got plenty of support from the rest of the Raiders including O'Hagan and Anna Poruks who led the team with 11 digs.

Coach Furusawa talked about her tremendous talent in Kate Brock following the disappointing loss. 

"Kate's the cornerstone for this team, she does a lot.  You don't see many middle blockers that set for you when they're also in the backcourt.  She's a great player and I'm glad I'm gonna have her for another year."

While the Lady Hawks dream of a County title ended, they began their North I Group II run against Lakeland on Nov. 1. River Dell entered the state tournament as the third seed.