Falcons topple #3 ranked Beavers in 5 sets!

The Folsom Lake volleyball team entered Wednesday night's match against American River as prohibitive underdogs.  The Beavers were sporting an overall record of 12-2, were undefeated (5-0) in Big 8 play, and were just ranked as the #3 team in California.  By comparison, the Falcons were 10-5 overall, 3-1 in Big 8 play, and held the #22 spot in the state rankings.  But somehow, the Falcons refused to lose and pulled off a stunning upset victory in five sets, 18-25, 25-22, 13-25, 28-26, 15-8. 

The Beavers are led by a powerful tandem of hitters that control the net and pummel the ball.  Conversely, the Falcons rely on hustle, determination, and solid defense to win points.  After losing a fairly close first set, the Falcons served notice that they meant business as they took set  number 2.  In their five previous Big 8 matches, the Beavers had yet to lose a single set!  After dropping the second set, the Beavers seemingly regained their composure while coasting to an easy third set win and were now one set from victory.  But in set four, the Falcons continually made winning points out of desperation plays and it added up to a thrilling 28-26 win.  The Falcons were not to be denied in the final set as they jumped out to a 7-3 lead.  The Beavers, meanwhile, could not get their game back on track and never threatened in the final set. 

There were heroes everywhere for the Falcons:  sophomore Mikayla Ide – who plays much bigger than her listed 5'7"  – had 13 kills and 12 digs.  Sophomore Taylar Schafer scored some huge points when it mattered most and finished with 12 kills and 11 digs.   Freshman Abby Seabury had 8 kills and 3 blocks.  Sophomore setter Kendall Hughes surpassed 1000 assists for her career with 28 in this match to go along with 14 digs and 6 kills.  Sophomore defensive specialist Maria Rivera,  who continues to frustrate opponents with her relentless defense, recorded 28 digs (mostly off of missile shots from ARC's powerful hitters). 

And to top off the evening, former FLC VPI Sue Lorimer and former FLC Dean/Athletic Director Jean Snuggs were both on hand to cheer on the Falcons!

The Falcons (11-5, 4-1 in Big 8) can't relax now; they'll travel to Rocklin on Friday to play old nemesis Sierra (10-8, 3-2 in Big 8) at 6:30 pm.