FULTON, MD — Reservoir volleyball defeated Glenelg for the second time this season, 15-25, 25-19, 25-21, 29-27, on Tuesday night.
The Gators (8-4) also beat Glenelg on the first day of the league season, back on Sept. 9, before the Gladiators (10-2) went on a 10-match winning streak which came to a halt at Reservoir's senior recognition night on Tuesday.
"It's a great win. Hopefully it builds our confidence," Reservoir coach Jamie Bullock said. Glenelg "played hard, and teams have played us hard, so it's nice being in a county so strong."
The match featured two Howard County Player of the Year candidates, in Reservoir's Maddy Belt (20 kills, 15 digs, 3 aces) and Glenelg's Sarah Girard (26 kills, 29 digs).
Through 44 sets, Girard has 273 kills in 676 attempts, while Belt has 244 kills in 653 attempts through 50 sets.
"We were the only team that had beaten them before so we came out with a lot of fire," Belt said. "Outside of when we play her (Girard) is my best friend but on the court it's strictly volleyball."
After the fourth and deciding set was tied seven times after the 20th point, Reservoir junior Diana Yuille finally ended the drama with a tip over the middle of the net. It was just her third kill of the match.
Barbara Kelley (23 digs), Megan Lieb (20 assists, 14 digs) and Sydney Lanham (8 kills, 8 digs) also had strong performances for the Gators
Despite the loss, the defending regional champion Gladiators can still clinch the county title with a win at River Hill Wednesday night. But if Glenelg loses, and Howard defeats Atholton, the Lions would repeat as county champions.
"Our biggest thing is trying to bounce back," coach Jason Monjes said. "Our goal was to go into the playoffs not having any losses. We knew it would be tough, but I think now the girls will be a little more resilient tomorrow … I have a feeling we're going to see one of these teams again (in the playoffs)."
Rachael Girard collected 40 assists for Glenelg in the loss.