In heartbreaking fashion, the Riverside Bulldogs fell to Aplington-Parkersburg 3-2 in the 2A region 7 final Wednesday night. It was a close, back-and-forth affair that (with one exception) saw neither side pull away. The teams split the first two sets in nearly identical fashion, with the winning team coming from behind. Although the Bulldogs took set three in dramatic fashion, Aplington-Parkersburg dominated set four to force an all-decisive fifth set. Down early, Riverside rallied to pull ahead late and had multiple match points. However, the Bulldogs surrendered the last three points, ending their hopes of a second straight state tournament appearance.

Set one showcased the kind of match it would be. Close, hard-fought, and thrilling. Although the Falcons got out to a slim lead, the points went back and forth. It took well into the set for Aplington-Parkersburg to grab a somewhat sizable 5-point lead. However, at this point, Riverside flipped the script, going on a 4-0 run. It didn’t take long for the Bulldogs to take over, and they closed out a 25-21 set one win on another 4-0 run.

Set two was almost a mirror image of set one. However, this one went the way of the Falcons. In set one, it seemed like Aplington-Parkersburg had the edge while Riverside played with the lead more in set two. However, the Falcons turned the tide late to take set two 25-21.

The biggest moment of an important third set came late. After more of the same back-and-forth play, the Bulldogs found a moment that propelled them to within a set of a state tournament appearance. Akin to a Hail Mary in football, Sydney Somers stuck an arm and swung, just desperate to get the ball over the net from well behind the service line. Not only did it get over the net, but it fooled the Falcons, who let it hit the floor completely swinging the momentum to the Bulldogs. They rode this momentum to a 25-23 win.

After getting dominated in set four, the Bulldogs needed to find a response for the first fifth set of the season. It seemed as though they had found it. After trailing early, Riverside clawed its way back into the final set. After teetering on the edge, they took a two-point lead late. Riverside seemed to be playing on the front foot as play continued. However, the Falcons did exactly what a team needs to win late in a final set and found three straight points to win the match. Bently Rone led the team in assists with 28 while having 12 kills and 14 digs. Somers led the offense with 17 kills, while Sophia Fenner led the defense with 16 digs. The Bulldogs gave everything they had. They battled hard, played great defense, and rarely let the moment become too big for them. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Head coach Brooke Flathers was extremely proud of the fight her team put up.

She was also proud of her two seniors Bently Rone and Madison Kelley and what they’ve have accomplished both individually and for the program.

Although they fell short of the state tournament, there is a lot to be proud of. Finishing with a 38-1 record the Bulldogs dominated at nearly every step along the way. A lot of people will remember this season for many reasons. However, Flathers will remember this group for the fun that they had.

The loss stings. What seemed so close is now far away. However, the Bulldogs return a vast majority of their roster, so there is little doubt that the Bulldogs will be in the conversation for the state tournament next year.