BY CHARLIE ADAMS, TSM HEAD WRITER
Cranston, RI - The Cranston East girl's volleyball team came into their matchup against a division-leading LaSalle Rams sitting at 2-5 on the season. Coming off of a 3-1 loss to Portsmouth, the Thunderbolts would have to bring their “A Game” if they wanted to bounce back and shock the Rams. East couldn’t slow down the Rams' season and were swept in the contest 3-0.
The Thunderbolts continued their season-long trend of competitive play but coming up just short in their sets. The Rams, who have looked strong all through the season, showed why they had only lost 5 sets across 8 games entering the contest. They stood strong despite Cranston East’s unwillingness to give up.
The ‘Bolts looked strong out of the gate, serving and returning exceptionally well. They got out to an early 5-point lead, but up 8-3 they allowed the Rams back within one point. It remained tight through the set as the teams went back and forth.
With LaSalle breaking out to a 17-12 lead, the Thunderbolts used their first timeout. It might have been too late as the Rams reached 20 points with a 7-point lead. Cranston East didn’t go down easy as they brought it back within 4. Ultimately, they dropped the first set 25-18.
The second set brought the same competitiveness that the volleyball team has shown throughout the season. Mirroring their first set, the ‘Bolts got to a 5-point lead early before the Rams would use their first timeout in the set. The’Bolts continued to lead the set until LaSalle was able to tie it up at 17 and take the lead on the next point. The ‘Bolts couldn’t keep up the pace, as they fell 25-19 and had a long way back to avoid being swept.
The Rams led the rest of the way, dominating the third set and looking out of the ‘Bolts league for the first time in the match. Cranston East used a timeout as they trailed 22-7, but there was no miracle to be had. The Rams won a dominating third set 25-13, winning the match in a clean sweep, 3-0.
What has become common with the team is not being able to close out their sets, shown as they lead deep into the first two sets before losing both sets. By the third set, the Rams looked to be too much as they finished off the match in dominating fashion.
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