(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – Deah Menedis (So., Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin) pounded down 26 kills and
Niki Schussler (So., Chambersburg, Cumberland Valley Christian) chalked up 14 more as Wilson won its first contest of the season against Bryn Athyn. The majority of the match was close as the first three sets were decided by three points or less before the Phoenix ran away with the fourth to seal the victory.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 3, Bryn Athyn 1 (28-26, 25-22, 24-26, 25-11)
Venue: Garrett Field House
Records: Wilson (1-14, 1-0), Bryn Athyn (0-10, 0-1)
How It Happened
- The opening game was a back-and-forth affair with the Lions taking the early lead. The Phoenix chipped away and eventually tied the set at 12-12 on a Menedis attack. A Lions error on the following point gave Wilson its first lead of the day. Menedis tied the game later to make the score 24-all. With the "win by two" rule in effect, a pair of kills from Jenna Dixon (Fy., California, Pa. / California) put the Phoenix in position to win. Dixon then set up Schussler for the final point to give Wilson a 1-0 lead.
- Momentum carried into the second set and saw the Phoenix race out to an 8-2 lead. Bryn Athyn didn't go away quietly, however, and eventually took an 11-9 lead. Wilson started to regain control and a 10-2 run gave the Phoenix a 22-16 lead. The Lions made a comeback attempt and cut the deficit to 23-21 before a Wilson timeout allowed the Phoenix to regroup. Menedis put a spike down to put Wilson at 24 and a Lions attack error helped put Wilson up 2-0.
- The third set was just as close as the first two with extra points needed for the win. Unfortunately for Wilson, it was Bryn Athyn who took the set. The Phoenix were in position to take the sweep as a kill by Allyson Garcelon (Fy., Shrewsbury, Pa. / Susquehannock) gave them a 24-23 lead, but Bryn Athyn was able to answer with the next three points to force a fourth set.
- Wilson didn't let thoughts of a comeback last long as it jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the fourth to put pressure on the Lions. The momentum kept building as a 6-0 rally with three Menedis aces put the score at 14-5. Another 6-0 rally sparked by a pair of Menedis kills scored the win.
Inside The Numbers
- It was a career day for Menedis as her 26 kills smashed her previous personal best of 12 kills set last week at Albright. She did so on 59 swings for an attack percentage of .203, also a season best.
- Menedis was one kill shy of equaling the team total for Bryn Athyn.
- Schussler's 14 was also a personal record which surpassed her 12 scored against Mount Aloysius.
- Menedis also served out seven aces, part of a staggering 20 by the Phoenix, easily a new season best.
- Garcelon and Dixon set up the attack with 25 and 19 assists, respectively.
- Garcelon was played big up front as she blocked three Lions attacks for a new season best.
- Alexis Buckley (So., Millsboro, Del. / Indian River) picked up a career-best as well defensively with 15 digs. It's the fourth time this season she's reached double figures.
Up Next
The Phoenix will look to keep in the win column as they host Rosemont on Wednesday. Opening serve is set for 7 p.m.
