Warren volleyball sweeps three sets from Belpre
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BELPRE – On Monday, the Warren Warriors varsity volleyball team headed to Belpre to face off against the Golden Eagles. The environment was electric, with the audience split almost evenly in support of either team. Despite the energy of the home crowd, Belpre fell to Warren in three sets (25-11, 25-14, 25-10).
Although the final score does not suggest it, it was quite a fiery match. Volleys often lasted seemingly minutes, with constant digs that brought each team back from the brink of defeat.
The match started with an ace from Warren's Payge Cornell that was emblematic of what was to come. Things stayed relatively evenly matched until the score was 8-7 in favor of Warren. It was at this point that Warren scored six straight times to build itself a substantial lead. The Warriors then took 11 of the next 15 points to take the first set 25-11.
Belpre took their first lead of the match by scoring first in the second set. Warren then restored their lead with five straight points. The Warriors never looked back in the second, although they did allow the set to be tied at 8, if only for a moment. A five-point streak from Warren in the middle of the set took the score from 13-11 to 18-11, seemingly eliminating any hopes of a comeback. Warren won the second set 25-14.
Although Belpre did jump out to a 2-0 lead to start the third set, it was clear that they were running out of steam. Just as their opponents were getting cold, Warren pounced on the opportunity. The Warriors went on several scoring runs throughout the third set, including a nine-point stretch that was their longest of the entire game. It was clear that they were hitting their stride. The booming sound of Warren's hitters making contact with the ball echoed louder and louder. Spiked balls started making their way into the middle of the stands after deflecting off of Belpre's blockers, catching audience members off guard. The Warriors took the third set 25-10, their most convincing victory of the night.
Warren head coach Ann Skufca was incredibly complementary of the effort that their opponents put forth.
"With today's start, Belpre played a great game," Skufca said. "We have to give them credit for how hard they came out and played against us. I think our players definitely welcome the challenge and had to fight to go ahead and get this 'W' tonight."
Skufca also discussed how the Warriors were able to stay in the lead when the momentum began to shift away from them, "Mindset, with anything, goes a long way. We had a little bit of a serving adjustment, and again, with any type of change it takes a little bit, but they responded very well. I couldn't be more proud of the girls with the comeback and getting their focus back in line."
With this victory, the Warren Warriors improve to 4-0. As of now, they have yet to lose a set. Warren has swept Federal Hocking, Vinton County and Nelsonville-York in addition to Belpre. The Warriors play their next match at home against Athens on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. They also face Shenandoah at home on Thursday at 7:30. Belpre faces off against Fort Frye Tuesday in Beverly at 7 p.m. The Golden Eagles will also host a tri with both Wirt County and Trimble at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday.