Perry had a unique roller coaster of emotions against Chagrin Falls in a CVC Chagrin contest Oct. 8. The Pirates controlled the first set, limiting the Tigers to five points. But the second set was a very different story as Chagrin Falls led by as many as four points and aimed to tie the contest up. But Perry continued to rally, taking the second set. A controlled third set by Perry completed the sweep and the Pirates moved to 16-4 on the season while Chagrin Falls fell to 10-10. The Pirates dominated the first set, racking up a combined 12 kills and eight aces. Six of those came with Tatum Christian at the service line. But they came out flat in the second set and Chagrin Falls took advantage of that, leading for a majority of the set. Coach Chakib Hraga knew his team needed some time to get refocus after a dominant set and refocus on the task at hand. “We stayed calm. We know what we have,” Hraga said. “We play for the next point and count on generating momentum after we score and get the serve. We keep going. The players like this, it’s how we practice and how we play. They don’t get up or down. They’re just steady.” The Pirates had their backs against the wall after rallying to tie the set at 24. Chagrin Falls had set point. That’s where Madison Miner came in. After Christian put the Pirates ahead with an ace, Miner went deep and off a Tigers defender’s bump attempt to finish the comeback. Even with the team’s backs against the wall, Perry exemplified the calm, cool demeanor their senior leader has shown all through her career. “You have to be a leader and make sure that everyone is calm and good to go,” Miner said. “You cheer on your teammates no matter the score, and you make sure that everyone stays focused in these games.” She finished the contest with a team-high 14 kills. Miner was the Pirates’ attack a season ago, shouldering much of the load. But this season, she has help all around the floor. Emily Mechenbier had six kills and five blocks, while Christian had four to go with eight aces. Aubrey Santore added five aces and Miner had four. Being able to have a more multi-faceted attack is something Hraga has been working with the team for all season and believes they have been able to develop a very strong group. “We preach that, one player can’t beat a team,” Hraga said. “It takes a team to beat a team. Right now we give everyone a job, and they’re all doing it and doing it the best. We work on every position so the starters have someone looking over their shoulders that are able to help.” Perry had a rough start to the season, going 2-3 in their first five games. But since the second-round match of the Chagrin Falls Invitational against Warren Howland, the Pirates have been on a hot streak. They’ve won 14 of their last 15 and earned the fifth seed in the postseason. Miner is aware the work the growth of the team makes them a challenging team for which to prepare. “I know that players can have my back,” Miner said. “That allows me to press other players and even if I have a bad game or getting stuck, I know I can depend on the team. We’ve been working really hard, playing well together and gaining confidence with every game.” Chagrin Falls had strong showings from Gigi Calabrese with 10 kills, nine of which were in the second set, and Molly Wheatley with six kills. The defense was led by the duo of Sadie Conrad with 12 digs and Molly Nightwine with seven digs. Chagrin Falls closes out the regular season with a trip to Hawken on Oct. 9. Perry remains at home amid a three-matches-in-three-days stretch as Madison visits on the same day.