Women Win Five Set Thriller
Through four sets it was still not determined whether the Faith Eagles or Emmaus Eagles were going to win the volleyball match. Both teams at times demonstrated the ability to take over the match only to find ...
Through four sets it was still not determined whether the Faith Eagles or Emmaus Eagles were going to win the volleyball match. Both teams at times demonstrated the ability to take over the match only to find the opponent make stretch runs. Emmaus proved themselves a worthy opponent winning set one 25-21. Faith had opportunities but it was Emmaus applying defensive pressure and limiting Faith to a 0% attack. "We warned the team how Emmaus was winning matches this year. They are playing hard and care free and that is to their advantage. We were blessed to get this win tonight," cited Nihart.
Faith rebounded in set two with a tough 25-23 win and improving their attack percent to 22%. Faith was led by freshmen outside hitter JoJo Hodak and middle hitter Kim Post each with three kills. Faith won the set in spite of six serving errors. "We talked alot about being opportunistic, obviously missing six serves in one set is not meeting that expectation. I thought JoJo and Kim performed well in that second set," cited Nihart.
The match continued to go back and forth in the third set with Faith coming out on top 27-25. The Eagles tied the score at 25 after being down by three. With three serving aces and a match high 27 digs Faith captured the win. Set four began with Faith grabbing a 15-7 lead and appearing to take command of the match. However, Emmaus caught the Eagles at 22 apiece and was able to get the 4th set win after Faith had three consecutive serve receive errors.
The final set saw Emmaus grab a quick 5-0 lead. Only after a substitution was Faith able to land their first point for a 5-1 deficit. Behind Hodak's hitting the Eagles took a 6-5 lead, however at the midway mark Emmaus still held an 8-6 lead. Faith captured their first lead after junior middle Julia Bray's solo block for a 13-12 lead. Not wanting to end the match Emmaus tied the score at 13-13. Faith then captured the score with two straight kills from Bray. "We were very relieved to get the win. This is another huge confidence builder for us. Emmaus had all the right to this win, I was proud how the team kept fighting all night," noted Nihart.
Faith was led offensively by Bray with 16 kills and four blocks and Hodak's 15 kills and 22 digs. Senior Libero Rikki Powell led all passers with 34 digs. Sophomore setter Stephanie Knupp had 54 set assists. Faith is now over the .500 mark at 9-8 for the season including two 5th set match wins.
