Lady Rams heading to playoffs following win over Atonement

In a critical tiebreak game, San Marcos Hill Country Christian held off the San Antonio Atonement Crusaders 3-1 as the Lady Rams sealed their ticket to the TAPPS 1A Volleyball playoffs.

The game commenced with the first serve going to the Lady Rams, but the Crusaders quickly gained momentum and went on multiple runs and scored an average of four points per run. Meanwhile the Lady Rams trailed behind at an average of around three points per run. The first set ended with the Crusaders winning 25-18 to go up 1-0.

During the second set, the Lady Rams stepped it up and began to stifle the Crusaders’ advances. While maintaining a steady pace of three points per run, the Lady Rams thwarted the Crusaders’ attempts to launch any significant runs. In the end, the Lady Rams tied the match at 1-1 winning the second set 25-18.

As the game entered the third set, both teams dialed up the intensity. The Lady Rams went on an impressive run of four points with Saylor Martinez at the serving line. Later, Ronee Chambers replicated this feat, contributing to the eventual victory with a closely contested score of 25-22 in the Rams’ favor.

Needing a crucial fourth win to qualify for the playoffs, the fourth set saw the level of play and intensity racket up to 11.

The Crusaders started off strong with a run of three, while the rest of the set saw scarcely any number of extended runs.

For the majority of the fourth set, each team only managed to score one point at a time.

Needing to play over the 25 point mark, the Lady Rams pulled through, winning the fourth set 27-25 to punch their ticket to the playoffs.

Throughout the match, the Lady Rams showcased incredible individual performances. Junior libero Savannah Swift made an astounding 43 digs, followed closely by Allie Davis, a junior, with an impressive tally of 34 and sophomore setter Saylor Martinez with a whopping 31 digs. Meanwhile freshman Avery Ormand helped lead the Lady Rams’ offense by putting down 10 kills. She was greatly aided by junior Sonora Hill, who also garnered 10 kills while also putting up an impressive 15 assists, and Martinez also managed to put up 15 assists, eight kills, and five aces.

Punching their ticket to the playoffs, Hill Country Christian will meet up with San Antonio Legacy Christian Academy in the Bi-District round of the TAPPS 1A State Playoffs.

Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. in San Antonio.

coltonbmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: ColtonBMc