The Riverside Bulldogs took another step towards a second straight state tournament appearance as they opened their postseason with a 3-0 win over the Underwood Eagles. The Bulldogs controlled the first two sets with 25-14 and 25-17. Although the sets were close early, Riverside went on runs to pull away, and it seemed like most of the extended rallies went the Bulldogs’ way. However, with their season on the line, Underwood gave the Bulldogs everything they had. The Eagles played with the lead for much of set three. However, Riverside proved to be too much to handle, and the Bulldogs took the lead late and didn’t relinquish it again, cementing their spot in the 2A region 7 semi-final.

Set one was arguably Riverside’s best offense performance. Leading 8-5 Riverside, went on a pair of long runs and never looked back. They dominated the latter part of the set, pulling away for an 11-point win. Lilli Reed and Sydney Somers played well, sharing the team lead with 9 kills each in the match.

Set two was much like set one, just closer for longer. Although the Bulldogs played with the lead for much of the set, Underwood did a great job of limiting Bulldog runs. However, the Riverside defense was once again phenomenal. Sophia Fenner finished with 17 digs, but her play really embodies the defensive look of the Bulldogs: Keep the play alive. There were numerous points throughout the match that the Bulldogs kept plays alive that had no business being kept alive. Although most times you end up ceeding an offensive opportunity, if you keep it alive long enough, the other team will make a mistake or an offensive opportunity will come your way. This is what proved to be a massive difference as Riverside took set two 25-17.

Set three was Underwood’s best performance of the night. With their season on the line, they gave the Bulldogs everything they had. Although they had been competitive for most of the night, they took that next step in the third set. It was the Eagles that played with the lead for much of the set. However, the patience and defensive ability of the Bulldogs prevented them from going on that set-defining run. Eventually, that patience would pay off as Riverside flipped the script late to win 25-21 and secure their spot in the regional semi-final. Head coach Brooke Flathers was pleased with how her team handled their postseason opener.

One thing that was absent from Riverside’s performance was nerves.

The defense plays such a big part of the Bulldogs’ game and Flathers credits the work the group puts in at practice.

Riverside will take on Missouri Valley in their semi-final. The Lady Reds come into the match with a record of 26-14 and a narrow win over Tri-Center in their quarterfinal Matchup. The semi-final match is scheduled for 7 pm on Monday in Oakland.