Herndon is Runner-Up in State Championship Game
By Chris Bergeron, Sports Reporter
A historic 2021 volleyball season for Herndon High School has come to an end. This year's varsity team was able to accomplish goals that have never been achieved before in Herndon volleyball history.
The success happened through hard work. Senior Akasha Anderson said, “Everyone got in the gym on day one and worked really hard.” The Hornets reached their first district finals game, first region semifinals, first region championship, first state tournament game and win, and first state finals game in the 2021 season. They fell just short to Colgan High School in four sets 3-1 in the championship. Even with the loss, Herndon was able to play at Virginia Commonwealth University’s arena in Richmond, which was an amazing experience for the team, fans, and band members.
Herndon fell into a deep hole early in the championship game as they lost the first two sets, 25-17, and 26-24. Herndon continued to fight just like they did all season in the tough Liberty district and won the third set 25-21. Herndon was not able to complete the comeback and lost in the 4th set, 25-21.
With Herndon being an inexperienced team in the postseason going into the year, nobody expected them to go far at all. Anderson said, “It didn’t end exactly how we wished, but we had no clue we would be in the state championship game.” Herndon volleyball appreciates all the support they received this season. “We owe it all to our coaches and a lot of our fans this season,” Anderson added. Next year, she will be heading south to play volleyball at Auburn University. Herndon looks to continue working hard for the next season. Anderson said, “It was a big climb, but there’s still more to come.”