Aiken volleyball’s season comes to an end in lower state

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -The Aiken Hornets turnaround season has come to an end in the 4A Lower State Championship.

The volleyball program was one game away from a return to state.

The Hornet’s volleyball team fell 3-1 at home Tuesday night. After controlling the first set 13-25, Aiken trailed the Sharks over the next three 25-21, 25-23 and 25-20.

Aiken tied the third set up 5 separate times, while finding their first lead since the first set at 13-12.

The Hornet’s defense kept Aiken in proximity to the Sharks lead throughout the final three sets.

“People have often asked me to compare this team to that team that made that state run, and I tell them: this team defensively is stronger than that team was. And I think you saw that. That kind of relentless defense across the board that really did keep us in in there. We played most the second, third and fourth from behind the entire time, and never really jumped out to a huge, huge lead in those and so when, when you’re playing from behind, like that, it is hard to be aggressive. You do have to kind of rely on your defense. And I think our defense gave us a chance to win those sets,” said Jeremy Rinder, Head Coach.

This is the fourth time in five years that Aiken has made it to the second to last round, and they could be back sooner rather than later.

“The future is bright. I think we have a lot of talent. You saw early on in the playoffs. We have a whole lot of talent coming up. You know, I think we are here to stay. I think we have set our program up in a way that we can sort of sustain the success and. So I’m excited for the future,” said Rinder.