Box Score (MORRISTOWN, N.J.) – For the second consecutive match and the third time this season, Wilson fought back from two sets down to force a fifth set. Unfortunately for the Phoenix, that fifth set continued to be a thorn as they fell to St. Elizabeth in Skye Division competition on Wednesday evening.
Deah Menedis (Jr., Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin) and
Abby Moreland (FY, Sabillasville, Md. / Catoctin) led an extensive attack by the Blue and White as they outhit the Eagles, but errors proved costly as the hosts were able to curb their miscues.
The Basics
Scores: Wilson 2, St. Elizabeth 3 (25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 22-25, 15-7)
- The Eagles held the first advantage as they jumped out to an 8-3 lead thanks to three kills, an ace, and a block. Wilson was able to climb back into the set and eventually get within one on a couple of occasions, the last of which followed a Moreland attack that made the score 13-12. St. Elizabeth extended its lead once again, but Wilson was only able to get back within two the rest of the way.
- The second set was similar to the first in that the Eagles built a five-point cushion before Wilson mounted a comeback attempt. Wilson was able to get back within one on a few occasions, first with a Moreland ace that made the score 12-11, a Menedis kill two points later, a kill by Allyson Garclon (So., Shrewsbury, Pa. / Susquehannock) at 16-15, another Menedis kill at 17-16, and a bad set two points later, but again Wilson couldn't get over the hump and fell behind two sets.
- The Phoenix finally found their groove in the middle of the third with a much-needed 7-0 rally. A Moreland kill and a pair of Garcelone aces helped Wilson create some separation with a 15-6 lead. The Eagles' comeback attempt allowed the hosts to cut the deficit to 22-19, but kills from Garcelon and Moreland kept Wilson alive as it took the third.
- Momentum carried into the fourth as Wilson took eight of the first 10 points of the set..Five consecutive kills then allowed Wilson to take its largest lead of the night at 19-10. The Eagles did mount a furious rally to get back within one at 23-22, but a kill and ace from Menedis forced a fifth game.
- A Moreland kill and a bad set put Wilson up 2-1 early, but the Eagles strung together an 11-1 run to take control of the set en route to the win.
Inside The Numbers
- Menedis had her best match of the year as she finished with a season-best 20 kills. It was the fourth time in the past five matches and fifth time overall this year she reached double digits. It was also her second double double in a row as she made 10 digs as well.
- Moreland was right behind her with 17 kills to put her streak at six matches for double-digit kills. She too had her second consecutive double-double with 17 digs, giving her five for the year.
- As a setter usually does during five set contests, Michaela Windisch (FY, Westminster, Md. / Catoctin) had a busy night with 51 assists, just two shy of her season-best.
- Defensively Addie Hebert (FY, Gettysburg, Pa. / Gettysburg) paced the team once again with 22 digs. She led a quartet of Phoenix which included Menedis, Moreland and Windisch.
For The Record
- Five set marathons with St. Elizabeth are nothing new for the Phoenix. It's the fourth consecutive match between the Phoenix and Eagles that has gone the distance.
Up Next
The Phoenix are back at home for Wilson Weekend against Cedar Crest on Saturday. First serve with the Falcons is set for 2 p.m.
