Rush City Season Ends in Section Championship

Rush City played Ekso in the section championship on Saturday.

The Tigers played in Hermantown on Saturday afternoon to defend their section title against Esko. The Tigers and Esko played against each other for the 4th year in a row, with Rush City winning the previous three.

The 1st set was a slow build up, but as the set reached an end both teams were firing on all cylinders. The Tigers were able to get the lead early and held off a late run late to win the first set 25-20.

The next two sets were some to forget. Esko got off to a hot start that put the Tigers on their heels early. Rush City was playing catch up the whole 2nd set, and this lead to a lot of their confidence getting lost. They couldn't put together multiple points in a row and Esko ran away with the set 25-8. The third set, although better, did not go their way. They again were playing catch up the whole set, and this lead to some uncharacteristic mistakes. While they did score more points, Esko still dominated they set 25-15. It seemed like the match was headed to an early end for the Tigers. Rush City was up with their backs against the wall facing elimination. The Tigers came out with a new found confidence, and while there was still some uncharacteristic mistakes, they looked close to the Tigers we know. Rush City made some big plays they turned into big kills, and forced some mistakes from Esko. The Tigers held the lead for most of the 4th set, and they were feeling it. They were able to win the set 25-20 and now brought it to a 5th and final set.

They seemingly got their swagger back and it was evident in the 5th, while Esko made their own big plays, the Tigers had momentum on their side. Early on the Tigers lead and forced an Esko timeout, which benefited them and they would overtake the Tiger lead and go in front by 3. Down late in the 5th Rush City needed a timeout just to compose themselves, which they did. Out of the timeout they came back tied the game and took the lead. The teams traded the lead, but late Esko scored which gave them match point. But Rush City refused to go down and came back to tie the game again. But Esko was able to get the point back and sadly finished the game 16-14.

The Tigers fall 3-2 and finish the season 26-5, runners up in the section, but will bring back their entire crew for next years run.

Congrats to them on a great year!