For the first time in three years, the Lady Pirates of Victor won a volleyball game. It took five games and a lot of scrappiness from both teams but the Lady Pirates rallied back to win three straight games after being down two games. Not only did they rally back, but they came from behind in each game to take the win.
“They wanted to give up many times and I wouldn’t let them,” said first year coach Amber Kay. “I think after three years of not having a winning season or not winning a game, they get in this mode of ‘we’re just going to give up.’”
The Lady Tigers of Darby came out and controlled the first game, winning 8-25. Amber Anderson had a strong game and ended up with 20 kills, three aces, and three blocks. They continued to have control in the second game and won 11-25.
Victor took an early lead in the third game but Darby came back with America Baugus serving up two aces and seven points. The two teams battled for each point. After a time out and down by a point, Victor rallied when Maddie Bahr served and Victor came out ahead on a long rally. Abby Kay served up the winning point for Victor, 25-20.
Game three was very similar to the second game with Darby taking an early lead. It was Baugus again at the service line and she scored seven points before Victor had a chance to score. Baugus ended up with 17 aces in the match.
Victor was down by four points at one point in the third game. But Kay smacked an ace to give the Lady Pirates a little confidence. They were still down by two points when Ashley Buchanan stepped up to serve and immediately scored an ace. She went on to score four more points and give Victor the lead. They went on to win, 25-20.
In the fourth game, Baugus was the first server for Darby and dropped down five points before Victor had a chance to score. Darby continued to hold the lead until Buchanan hit an ace to spur a rally for Victor. She continued to serve three more points to pad the lead. Darby rallied behind Madison Conner but Victor went on to win and tie the match.
“It’s a learning experience for sure,” said Darby coach Sara Nelson. “We have some things to work out. Give us a few days and we’ll have a different look.”
The fifth game of a match is always tough because only 15 points is needed to win and once the momentum shifts to a team, it’s difficult to stop that team. Darby again took an early lead and were ahead by five points. But another timeout by Coach Kay spurred the Lady Pirates on to tie the game and then take the 17-15 win and the match.
Victor was led by Abby Kay who had five aces and five assists. Madi Bahr had 6 kills and Virginia Brown had 16 digs. America Baugus had 17 aces and Amber Anderson finished with 20 kills.
Stevensville defeated Ronan in three games on Thursday, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22. Daphne Engel had eight kills, five assists, and nine digs. Ella Hendrickson had six kills. The team finished with 27 kills. Maddie Weber had 18 assists and the team had 23 total. Kelti Wandler had nine digs and three aces. The Lady Yellowjackets had six total aces. Aliyah Anderson had two blocks.