Pikesville High School vs George W. Carver Center for Arts & Technology

In the fall of 2024, Pikesville led all Baltimore County teams with an undefeated 14-0 regular season. Despite the regular season success, the Panthers fell to the eight-seeded Carver Wildcats in five sets in the first round of the regional playoffs. After carrying the loss with them throughout the entire offseason, the two were set to rematch early in the season. The Panthers entered the game 3-0, having won their previous three games against Franklin, Sparrows Point, and Western Tech. The Wildcats were still looking for their first win after dropping their first few games against Parkville, Franklin, and Sparrows Point. Pikesville knew that they had to open the game strong, and as junior Addisyn Jordan explained, before the match began, she “felt like this was a reset since it was a new team, new spirit, and great attitudes.” The Panthers were able to do exactly that, winning the first set 25-22. Rilynn Aikens led her team with three aces while also leading in points won in the set with two. During the second set, Pikesville turned up its game to a new level. Between attempting a kill for every point they earned, earning six aces in twenty-one serves, and a stronger defensive showing, the Panthers cruised to a 25-14 victory in the second set. Junior Shayna Sagel, who had the team’s only dig of the game in the second set, knew her team was able to win the game. “We are able to beat Carver… we have to think fast and move fast,” were her thoughts after the second set. The momentum following the second set was abundantly clear going into the third. After giving up just twelve points, senior Taylor Kidwell delivered the final kill, giving Pikesville a 25-12 win in the third set and a clean sweep of the Wildcats. Pikesville’s head coach, Christin Holland, understands the gravity of the win for her team. “Carver was the team they couldn’t get past, and they were happy to end that streak. It’s a great moment for them, but they understand there are a lot of games ahead,” she explained. Senior Damya Moore added on that knowing the history of the game allowed her to “come into the game with a certain type of attitude… I had to bring in a different type of energy onto our side of the court. Knowing this during rallies meant a lot to our team.” Now 4-0, the Panthers will look to improve in their second game of the regular season against Franklin. In their first game, Pikesville took down the Indians in five sets. The Wildcats have a few days to reset before they look for their first win on the road against Western Tech. Pikesville and Carver are set to face off once more this season, with that game scheduled for October 6 at Pikesville High.