Lady Raiders split week, need help to make district

The Lady Raiders lost at home to the Bridgeport Fillies Oct. 14 in a four-game match that featured many close scores. LR and Bridgeport both made mistakes that allowed the other team to stay in or win games.

In the first game of the match, the Fillies struck hard and fast and cruised to an easy win. LR came back in the second game, playing with greater effort. The Fillies did come back into it but the Ladies held them off for a win. In the third game, Lake Roosevelt built on the momentum from the second game and built an early lead. The Fillies got back into the game, and LR mistakes down the stretch allowed Bridgeport to win.

It was the fourth game that provided the most suspense and controversy. The game was a seesaw match, with both sides taking small leads and then giving them up to the other squad. Both the Lady Raiders and Fillies exchanged service errors to place the game and match into extra points. The crowd sat on the edge of their seats; one good serve and defense could win it for either side. When LR could not return a Fillie serve that would give them the win the game appeared to be over.

But the official called a foul on Bridgeport, saying the Fillies had served out of rotation. Debate between the officials and the Bridgeport coaches/captain ensued, and the Lady Raiders prepared to serve. After about 10 minutes, the official returned to her initial call of match point to Bridgeport for the win.

After the long match with Bridgeport the Lady Raiders defeated Manson Oct. 16 in a full five-game match. With Manson’s win over the Lady Raiders in September this creates a tie for fifth place in the North, the last spot to the district tournament. With neither having a clear tie breaker, the Lady Raiders need to win, and hope Manson loses, in order to have a clear advantage Oct. 29 when district brackets are announced.

Last night the Lady Raiders hosted Tonasket. Tomorrow LR heads to Brewster to take on the number-two in the North. The game against the Bears starts at 7 p.m.

Brewster is 10-1 in league play with their only loss being to Okanogan. LR then returns home for Senior Night on Oct. 28 against the number-one Okanogan Bulldogs, who are still undefeated in north league play. Match play starts at 7 p.m. with Senior Night activities preceding it.