Madison holds off late Rigby rally to take the top spot in the conference and likely the state rankings

RIGBY – If Tuesday’s volleyball match between Rigby and Madison turns out to be a postseason preview, then fans are in for a treat.

It was a rivalry match.

It was a big conference match.

And the play on the court didn’t disappoint as Rigby rallied from two sets down to force a fifth set and had match point, only to see Madison score the final three points for a 16-14 win and a 3-2 victory.

Afterward, both coaches talked about overcoming adversity and getting ready for a postseason push.

“It’s a rowdy environment,” Madison coach Keanu Pukahi said. “These girls are learning in their own right, that ‘hey, if things are not working then we have to take care of it ourselves … It’s a mental thing.”

Madison ran its win streak to 16 straight matches, including a win over Rigby last week in the ThunderBee Classic at Bonneville.

That win snapped the Trojans’ own win streak at 20 straight matches and was Rigby’s first loss of the season.

Tuesday’s match however held more weight because it was a conference match, giving the Bobcats (17-1, 3-0) the edge in the standings. It will probably shake up the MaxPreps rankings, which had Rigby No. 1 in the state, with Madison No. 3.

“This Rigby team is probably the best team I’ve seen in years,” Pukahi said, noting the team’s culture under second-year head coach Aaron Adams.

Madison, which won three consecutive state titles before losing to powerhouse Skyview in last year’s championship match, has high expectations and hasn’t really been challenged in conference play during the team’s run.

In fact, the Bobcats’ record against Rigby since 2020 is 19-0.

Rigby coach Aaron Adams credited Madison for making adjustments and shutting down the Trojans’ top hitters.

The team’s meet again on Oct. 6 in a conference matchup at Madison. They’ll likely be on a collision course in the district tournament and possibly the state tournament.

Both coaches will likely make adjustments for the next matchup, but Adams said one burden has already been lifted.

Prior to last week, Rigby (22-2, 2-1) was unbeaten and riding its winning streak. While a perfect season may not have been a goal, it was definitely possible the way the team had been playing.

After two losses to Madison, the focus is on getting better.

“How do you play under the spotlight?,” Adams said of his players having to step up and be mentally tough.

“We lost to a good team,” he said. “There’s no shame losing to a good team.”

Brinley Larsen finished with 47 assists and Giada Bertagnolli led Rigby with 18 kills.

Cloey Lamph hit .319 and had two aces for Madison.