(LANGHORNE, Pa.) – An upset-minded Wilson looked to shake up the United East Skye Division standings at Cairn on Saturday afternoon. The Phoenix opened the day by taking the first set from the Highlanders, but couldn't take advantage of it as the hosts came back to win the match.
The Basics
Scores: Wilson 1, Cairn 3 (22-25, 25-19, 25-13, 25-19)
Venue: Mason Activity Center
Records: Wilson 2-23, 2-6 Skye; Cairn 13-9, 5-3 Skye
How It Happened
- The first set was a battle through out with neither team able to put together a run of more than four points. That belonged to the Phoenix as a Highlander error tied the set at 14-all before an Abby Moreland (FY, Sabillasville, Md. / Catoctin) kill followed by two more Cairn misses put the Blue and White up 17-14. The Highlanders were able to get back within one at 19-18, but another kill by Moreland and another Cairn error gave the Phoenix some more cushion. After a Cairn block, a pair of Niki Schussler (Jr., Chambersburg, Pa. / Cumberland Valley Christian) kills gave Wilson its largest lead of the game at 23-19. Although Cairn kept it close with three of the next four points, Deah Menedis (Jr., Reisterstown, Md. / Franklin) helped the Phoenix close it out with a pair of kills.
- Wilson attempted to build of the momentum from the first set win and jumped out to an 8-4 lead thanks to a pair of Schussler kills, one from Menedis, and aces from both Moreland and Grace Owens (FY, Winchester, Va. / James Wood). Cairn was able to counter and eventually took an 11-9 lead. While Wilson was able to tie it back up with the next two points, momentum was now on the Highlanders side as they built up a 23-15 lead and held on to even the match.
- Both teams battled at the beginning of the third as they evenly split the opening 12 points. Wilson was able to take a 7-6 lead following a Menedis ace before the Highlanders took control for good with a 10-1 run. While the Phoenix were able to score four of the next six with kills from Moreland and Amelia Edens (Jr., Pasadena, Md. / Glen Burnie), Cairn erased any hopes of a third set comeback with a 7-1 rally.
- Cairn jumped out to a 9-2 lead to start the fourth, but the Phoenix didn't go away quietly. A Schussler kill and three Highlander errors appeared to put the Blue and White back in it before the hosts rattled off the next six points for a 15-6 lead. Wilson remained in the competitive spirit and chipped away at the deficit, getting within two at 17-15 aided by three Moreland kills. Another Moreland kill made it 19-16, but the Phoenix couldn't get any closer than three the rest of the way.
Inside The Numbers
- Moreland was back in double figures as she led the team with 14 kills. Menedis joined her with 11 kills.
- Setting up the attack was Michaela Windisch (FY, Westminster, Md. / Catoctin) with 33 assists.
- Defensively the back line was busy with a quartet who picked up double figures in digs. Addie Hebert (FY, Gettysburg, Pa. / Gettysburg) led the way with 22 and Windisch added 19. Moreland and Menedis added 15 and 13, respectively, for double doubles.
- Hendryl Peabody led the Highlanders with 18 kills on the afternoon while hitting .240. Caroline Conrad added 16 with a clip of .368. Conrad also secured a double double with 24 digs.
Up Next
Wilson will close out the season against Keystone at home on Tuesday. First serve is set for 7 p.m. and fans are encouraged to wear their best Halloween costumes.
