ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- The Rocky River Pirates defeated the Lakewood Rangers in a bridge-battle home opener on Thursday evening. The Maroon & White prevailed in straight sets, 25-15, 22-15, 25-17.

River's first home game of the 2020 campaign also marked the first conference clash between the Pirates and new Great Lakes Conference-member Rangers. 

After an even start to the opening game, junior Paige Waite ignited an 11-2 run for River with a well-targeted kill followed by a service ace. The Pirates worked themselves to a 14-6 advantage on the Rocky River Gymnasium scoreboard. The Rangers would get back within five, at 18-13, but the home side closed out the set in strong fashion, getting seven of the next nine points. A kill by sophomore Madie Shoaf, on a perfect set-up from senior Emily Slyman, was the game-winner.

In the middle set, Rocky River led throughout. Slyman was a key contributor, teeing up teammates in the eventual seven-point victory. 

Lakewood jumped out to an early advantage in set No. 3, but Rocky River (2-2, 2-2 GLC) pulled even at 10-10. Aces by Slyman and freshman Samantha Young keyed a stretch that saw the Pirates outscore the Rangers, 8-2. The endgame was a 5-for-7 exchange with River on the upside.




by Skip Snow