Pirates Take Down Denver in Five-set Thriller

By Siri Olsen

The Hudson Pirates volleyball team traveled to Denver on Tuesday, Sept. 15, for a matchup between two highly ranked Class 2A conference rivals.

Hudson entered the match ranked No. 6 in Class 2A, while Denver was ranked No. 7. The Pirates entered the match with extra motivation. Hudson had not defeated the Cyclones in several years, making Tuesday night an opportunity to end that streak against one of the state’s top-ranked teams.

Hudson came out strong in the opening set, taking an early lead and holding off the Cyclones for a 25-21 victory. The Pirates carried that momentum into the second set, controlling the action from the beginning on their way to a 25-14 win. With a 2-0 lead, Hudson was just one set away from completing the sweep, but Denver refused to go quietly.

The Cyclones responded in the third set, finding their rhythm and taking advantage of opportunities at the net. Denver claimed the set 25-18, cutting Hudson’s match lead to 2-1. The fourth set proved to be the most dramatic of the night. The teams battled point for point and pushed the set beyond the usual 25-point mark. With the match hanging in the balance, Denver eventually came out on top 28-26, forcing a deciding fifth set.

Rather than letting the momentum swing completely to Denver, the Pirates regrouped and came out determined in the final set. Hudson took control early and never looked back, winning 15-7 to secure the five-set victory over the Cyclones and end the Pirates’ yearslong drought against Denver.

Sophomore Paige Davis led Hudson’s offensive attack with 16 kills. Sophomore Natalie Rausch and senior Kaleigh Leary each contributed 11 kills, giving the Pirates a balanced attack throughout the match.

Senior Siri Olsen recorded 31 digs, while senior Taylor Davis finished with 36 assists. The victory improved Hudson’s record to 16-3.

The Pirates will return home Thursday, Sept. 24, to face another highly ranked opponent, the Iowa City Regina Regals.