WARMINSTER-PA-  It was a hard-fought match between these two Philadelphia powerhouse teams. As PCL reigning champs Archbishop Wood Volleyball hosted 2015 Inter-Ac title holder, the Germantown Academy Patriots Thursday afternoon.

Both teams having lost many of their key contributors to graduation, and knowing each other primarily by their win-loss records, hit the court with strong determination and comparable skill.   

“We tried to go into the match against GA with a similar mindset, quick transition, with consistent serves and serve reception,” said Archbishop Wood head coach Maureen Thorpe, referring to her team’s recent close win against Lansdale Catholic.

GA, (5-1, 1-0 Inter-Ac), won the first set with a four-point margin (25-21). However, the Lady Vikings, (3-3, 3-0 PCL), soon bounced back with a (25-19) hold in the second.

“I had a feeling this was going to be an exciting match. I was hoping it would be exciting. Last year we met them in the finals of the Perkiomen Valley Tournament and they got us pretty good,” said Germantown Academy head coach Dan Sullivan.

The Patriots came back to win in the third set by only two points.

“We were hoping to win the fourth set with our assessment of GA,” said Thorpe. “GA came out strong with difficult serves and their consistent offense.”

GA claimed the last set (26-24).

“It’s a big win for us going into next week. I think it’s a huge confidence booster for the girls knowing they can compete with one of the best teams in the area.  Having come out on top of the last two sets at 26-24 is also a good sign and a valuable experience,” said Sullivan.

Thorpe, thought of this match as a healthy challenge for her squad.

“That's the beauty of volleyball...it's a game of momentum and the competition drives us to be better! And now we can go into practice on Monday knowing more of what we need to work on,” said Thorpe.

Next match for the Patriots is on the road this Tuesday, 9/20, against George School.

Archbishop Wood plays Council Rock South at home, today at 1:45 p.m..