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In their 4A state quarterfinal matchup with Crofton last Friday, the Broadneck volleyball team needed multiple chances in the second and third sets to put the Cardinals away.
Though the match was scarcely in doubt, the Bruins appeared to have taken that experience to heart in time for their semifinal clash with Perry Hall.
Tuesday was all business, as the Bruins dismantled their opponents in straight sets, winning 25-14, 25-11, 25-13 at Paint Branch High School to reach the state championship match for the first time in five years.
“We approached this game like we’ve approached the last three games. Everyone on the other side of the net is in our way. We watched game film, and we were ready for what they had to offer,” said Broadneck coach Tracey Realbuto. “We got it done, and I’m proud of them.”
The Bruins appeared more than ready for the semifinal contest. Broadneck won the first seven points of the opening set and the first six of the second set, stamping authority on a match that took all of 54 minutes to complete.
It’s the kind of authority and confidence that has been building all season long. They improved to 17-3; in the 17 wins, Broadneck has won 51 of 52 sets played. They’ve won five straight matches and 13 of their last 14.
“We really knew how we could play. We knew that coming into this game we had to leave it all out there on the court because we were only one step away,” said junior outside hitter Anna Graves, who led the team with 11 kills. “It feels amazing knowing that we’ve made it this far. We’ve done everything we can at this point, and now just knowing that we are where we are now, we just have play our best and leave it all on the court. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and grown together.”
Kennedy Smith added eight kills, while the Bruins combined for 13 service aces.
There have been big tasks for the Bruins this season: reclaiming the county championship, which they did by beating longtime rival Arundel in four sets; getting past Leonardtown in the region playoffs, which they did by sweeping the Raiders on their home floor; getting to the state championship game, which they’ve now done. One step further requires hauling down perhaps the biggest target yet: undefeated, defending state champion Richard Montgomery (19-0).
“I just told them in the (postgame) huddle, congratulations on the win, but the work starts (again) tomorrow,” Realbuto said. “The majority of girls starting are juniors and sophomores, but they want it like they’re seniors. We had a conversation yesterday at practice, and I asked them what they were the most excited about moving forward, and all they could talk about was winning. There’s no being afraid of anything, they just want to win.”
The two teams will square off at Harford Community College on Saturday.
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