So, Randolph, lacking spirit and becoming discouraged earlier in the week, got back on track by defeating Morristown, 25-23, 25-15, in a NJAC-National Division game on Thursday night.
Coming out on top against the Colonials meant a lot to the Rams because they'll oppose them in the first game of the MCT Final Four.
For Randolph senior middle blocker Alyssa Gerardi, it's all about energy.
"Our energy was lacking when we lost a few points in a row," Gerardi said. "Tonight, we kept it high the whole game and didn't let our mistakes get to us."
Rams coach Pete Litichevsky was quick to note his squad's fine play yet didn't get too carried away.
"We've split with Morristown this season," he said. "This match really means nothing to the Saturday match."
Very true. It all comes down to which team steps up, executes and retains its poise. As good as the Rams were on Thursday, they were not up to par on Sept. 15, falling to Morristown, 22-25, 25-18, 17-25.
The first game was tight and was tied many times, the last at 21-21. Randolph (14-5) scored the next three points on a long hit by Morristown, Gerardi's ace and Nicole Backer's kill. The game ended when a Morristown serve went out.
"We start slowly. That's been a problem sometimes," Gerardi said.
The second game had a much different feel to it as the Rams jumped out to a 10-3 lead. Morristown, which had a seven-game streak halted, had several missed kills and sent its shots long and wide.
"Our passing was off. You do that and you get pounded," Colonials coach Ron Davenport said.
The Rams continued to put forth a fine effort and were even more intense as the match wore on.
"Our communication was better," Gerardi said. "We had to play smart and read things right. We needed to know where the setters and hitters were."
Gerardi had five blocks for Randolph and Kristen Ross had 11 assists. Cora Bidlack made four block and Backer had three aces.
Morristown will most certainly put up a better fight in Saturday's semifinal game slated for 4 p.m. at Roxbury High School.
"We threw a clunker and the girls know it," Davenport said. "Maybe we were too high on ourselves. We've been on a good roll. We're very experienced but immature in some ways.
"If I had a different group of girls, I'd be concerned. We've bounced back strong after setbacks. We'll be ready for Saturday. It's a rivalry. We want to beat each other, even in Ping Pong."
For Morristown, junior outside hitter Mary Long had 16 kills and four aces and junior setter Bradley Taylor had 21 assists. Kathy Hormaza finished with seven digs.
