Win over Lee send Indians to Southern Valley District Title Match
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Robert Sisk / News Virginian
Published: October 30, 2007
But the emotion sparked, and the Tribe came back.
It took five games for the second Region III berth to be decided between the No. 2 Indians and No. 3 Lee Ladies. After the Indians spilt the first four games 16-25, 25-16, 16-25, 25-22 the emotional pendulum swung Fort's way and they took Game 5, 15-13.
"I think this did it," said Fort coach Lynn Alexander. "We have had some wins, but I think tonight you could tell they were playing scared in the first game - then to pull it out and find that intensity and turn your brain on and hunker down, I think that did it."
The Indians clinched the second Region III berth, leaving the Lee Ladies to play a consolation game on Thursday at 7 p.m. against fourth seeded Rockbridge in Staunton for the final playoff berth.
Visiting and home fans were on the edge of their seats at the Reservation when Brittany Davidson slammed down a kill to knot the score at 11 in Game 5 - Lee had led 9-7 earlier.
When the ball smacked the floor, Davidson shouted in excitement. The charge started.
"I knew I had to put it down there," Davidson said. "They are a very good digging team, so I put it down hard."
She landed two more kills, shouting every time one found its mark and the Indians led 13-11. Two more points and the Indians would make the Region III cut.
"She stepped it up big time and that's what you want and expect from a senior and a captain," Alexander said, "that has that talent and ability. Tonight she just blew it out of the water. Her competitive side just came out and she was like 'I'm not going home without a win.' "
Lee wouldn't give up, trying to get the easy bid and stay out of the loser-go-home match on Thursday. Nicole Bowman snuck in the point, cutting into the Indians lead.
Not to be out-done, on the next point, Davidson smacked another kill, setting up match point.
The Indians netted the next ball, but kept focused on the bigger picture - they still led in Game 5.
The Lee Ladies serve, and the Indians return. When Lee tried returning the volley, it sailed wide left.
The Indians won, and Tribal life was never sweeter.
"For them to play so hard all year and finally get over that hump and make it- it speaks a lot for their character and desire," Alexander said.
Eimers had no problems with the way her team played, and is looking for the same level of play on Thursday against Rockbridge.
"I told them today that it was much easier to watch this than last week on senior night when we got blown out of our own gym by the same team," Eimers said. "We played a lot harder. I'm telling them to focus on tonight and take it and use it positively in Thursday night's match against Rockbridge."
With the Region III berth firmly secured, the Indians face the daunting task of preparing for teams they have never seen before. Fort has played all of the teams from the Massanutten, but the Blue Ridge and Seminole district are unknown factors.
"I think with the unknowns you have to assume that they are going to be really good," Alexander said. "You have to come out hard and strong from point one. Assuming we win the first round, we have to play the No. 1 seed."
Before they can begin to look too far ahead, the Indians have to focus on Stuarts Draft, the thorn in their 2007 season.
"We're definitely playing for pride against Draft," Davidson said. "We are going in ready."
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