Comets Rally in Epic Comeback to Secure Section Championship Spot
The Hillcrest Comets volleyball team faced an uphill battle in the North Subsection Championship, taking on a scrappy and relentless Breckenridge squad in front of a roaring crowd at Kennedy High School in Fergus Falls. The night didn't start as planned, with the Comets dropping the first two sets 22-25 and 21-25, as they struggled to find their usual rhythm amid the noise and pressure of the playoff atmosphere. Yet, despite the shaky start, the Comets embodied their season’s theme of G.R.I.T.T.—pushing through adversity with gratitude, relationships, identity, team toughness, and truth.
The third set was the turning point. With their season on the line and trailing 2-7, Hillcrest took a deep breath and leaned into the strength that comes from a team that trusts each other. Head coach Debi Foss called for calm, encouraging the girls to breathe and relax. The change in energy was almost immediate, with the Comets flipping the momentum. They stormed back into the set, fueled by kills from Emily Adams, the powerhouse of the night with 20 kills, and Elsa Retzlaff, who contributed 10 kills and three aces. Hillcrest won the third set decisively, 25-13.
The fourth set saw more of the same dominance. Ruby Peterson, who had been perfect at the service line, going 19/19, and setting up 47 assists, orchestrated the offense brilliantly. Maddie Miller and Chloe Walkup dug up Breckenridge’s best shots, keeping the Comets alive on defense. With every dig, block, and kill, the energy in the gym shifted, and Hillcrest took the set 25-14, evening the score at two sets apiece.
Then came the fifth set—the ultimate test of grit and heart. Down again early, the Comets battled back to face a 10-12 deficit in the 15-point set that had the season hanging in the balance. But instead of tensing up, something extraordinary happened. During a time-out called by Coach Foss, the players returned to the court with smiles on their faces. Fans noticed the change in their demeanor as the team started cheering louder for each other. They weren’t just playing to win; they were playing with joy, a rare sight in such a high-pressure moment.
Hillcrest rallied once more, with critical plays from Ruby Peterson, Emily Adams, and Ella Knutson, whose 15 kills and 6 blocks made her a pivotal force at the net. Together, the team clawed to a 17-15 victory, earning the final three points under a banner of joy and determination. The Comets played fearlessly, embracing the moment with smiles and cheers, a testament to the deep bond they shared and the lessons they had learned throughout the season.
As the final point popped on the scoreboard and the crowd erupted, the Comet girls celebrated a hard-fought victory and the discovery of something more profound. They had overcome adversity, not just with skill but with joy, trust, and a commitment to each other that shone through in their most critical moments.
Their season continues as they head to the Section Final against West Central Area on Saturday. But for one unforgettable night, the Hillcrest Comets showed that no challenge is too great when a team plays with both grit and joy, fighting for each other until the very end.