It had everything you could ask for in a high school volleyball matchup: two elite teams, a packed gym, momentum swings, and a dramatic finish.
Rochester entered Chatham-Glenwood coming off a huge tournament championship against several of the state’s top 3A programs. But the Rockets knew conference play would bring an entirely different challenge against the Titans.
And Glenwood came out firing.
Alexis Neumann was nearly unstoppable in the opening set, powering the Titans to a 25-17 victory and an early 1-0 lead.
Rochester needed a response — and got one.
Cami Tinder took control at the net and helped orchestrate the Rockets’ offense, setting up teammates while also coming through with several big kills of her own. Liv Kratochvil was also a major factor as Rochester battled back to take Set 2, 25-22.
The second set was closer than Rochester probably wanted, as the Rockets left the door open for Glenwood.
That door would become very important in Set 3.
The atmosphere inside the gym was electric, with Rochester students bringing the White Out and Glenwood fans answering with a Pink Out.
Rochester came out swinging in the third. Kratochvil continued to make her presence felt, and the Rockets built a commanding 22-15 lead.
It looked like Rochester was on its way to completing the comeback.
Glenwood had other plans.
Neumann once again took over from the left side, using her power to help ignite an incredible Titans comeback. Point after point, Glenwood chipped away at the deficit.
Suddenly, it was 22-22.
The momentum had completely shifted.
Glenwood finished the job from there, taking the final three points and securing a thrilling 25-23 third-set victory to stun Rochester and win the match 2-1.
After the match, ILSportsWire’s Jack Hart caught up with Neumann about the comeback and what the rivalry meant to the Titans.
Neumann said the team knew how important the matchup was, especially following last week’s football rivalry game.
She credited Glenwood’s ability to stay composed after the second-set loss, saying the team focused on taking a breath, trusting one another and playing for each other.
That composure showed late in the third set.
Neumann specifically pointed to aggressive serving as a key moment that helped rebuild Glenwood’s confidence and spark the comeback.
As for what makes this Glenwood team special, Neumann pointed to one word: chemistry.
The Titans ability to mesh both on and off the court has helped fuel their success.
And on Tuesday night, that chemistry produced one of the biggest wins of the season.
Glenwood 2, Rochester 1.
A comeback for the ages.
A packed gym.
And without a doubt, the game of the year.
