Legend of the Fall -- The Cinderella Rachael Harvey

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LEGENDS OF THE FALL

The Cinderella

Rachael Harvey, Montgomery Volleyball

Senior Stepped Up at Right Time

By Austin Staton

In volleyball, it can be argued that the setter is the most critical component to an offense. For the Montgomery Bears, they lost a good one in 2011 C-USA All-Freshman Caitlyn Ogletree, who now plays for the University of Houston.

With only three seniors returning from a 2010 squad that finished with a 30-8 record, the expectations were not high entering the 2011 season. Enter Rachael Harvey, who was the key cog to the Bears’ season as she stepped up in a big way.

Behind the efforts of the 5-foot-8 senior standout, Harvey posted 2.6 kills and 2.4 digs per set, respectively. Moreover, Harvey was instrumental on the outside as she helped lead a balanced offensive attack in the ultra-competitive District 17-4A with the likes of Brenham, Stratford, Waller and Magnolia.

“Our district prepared us for a tough playoff run and we started to peak at the right time,” said Harvey.

Finishing the season with a 27-20 overall record and a 10-4 mark in district play, the highlight of the season came in the playoffs as Harvey and the Bears eliminated their district foe, Magnolia, after previously splitting their season series with them.

Harvey posted a double-double as she netted 10 kills and 19 digs in Montgomery’s five-set win (25-22, 22-25, 22-25, 25-23, 15-13) over the Bulldogs.

“That game was easily the most memorable moment of my high school career,” said Harvey. “(Magnolia) knocked us out of the playoffs last season and this year it was the exact same situation – a five-set match—but we flipped the result on them.”

With three seniors set to graduate, Harvey feels that the late season run – which ended in the regional semifinals against Foster – will do nothing but pay dividends for next season’s squad.

“Playing tough teams in our playoff run made the younger girls more confident knowing that they could go further in the playoffs next season with the returning talent,” Harvey explained.

With her prep career drawing near an end, Harvey plans to utilize the club circuit to solidify where she will play volleyball at the next level while enjoying the final moments of her senior year with her team.

“My team has just been amazing,” said Harvey. “Sharing all of the memories with them and winning all of the games with them was just an awesome experience.” just been amazing,” said Harvey. “Sharing all of the memories with them and winning all of the games with them was just an awesome experience.”