(ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa.) – Entering its first tri-match of the season, Wilson looked to build upon its two wins to open the season over the past week. Unfortunately for the Phoenix, they were handed two defeats at the hands of hosting Elizabethtown and fellow visitors Eastern on Saturday.
The Basics
Scores: Match 1 – Wilson 0, Elizabethtown 3 (25-16, 25-15, 25-19)
Match 2 – Wilson 0, Eastern 3 (25-14, 25-20, 25-8)
Venue: Thompson Gymnasium
Records: Wilson 2-2, Elizabethtown 2-2, Eastern 3-4
How It Happened (Match 1 at Elizabethtown)
- The hosting Blue Jays were quick at the start as a pair of aces helped them take a 5-1 lead. A couple kills by Andrew Sviben (So., Bressler, Pa. / Central Dauphin East / Lourdes) allowed the Phoenix to get back within two on a couple of occasions before a 6-1 rally put Etown up 14-7. Down 21-11, the Phoenix made a late push with a 5-2 run with an Xavier Webber (So., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin East) kill followed him pairing with Jacob McCoy (XXX) for a block, but the Jays were able to take the next two points for a 1-0 lead.
- Four out of five points helped Wilson stay with Elizabethtown early in the second, but the Phoenix still had trouble getting over the hump. A 5-1 run in the middle of the frame helped the Blue Jays create some separation, and they only got stronger from there to take a 2-0 lead.
- Wilson's best start of the contest came in the third as it was even through the first 30 points. Three consecutive points by the Phoenix sparked by a kill from Saria Alshaikhali (Sr., Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / Hayfield) allowed Wilson to take a 14-13 lead, but a 10-4 run down the stretch gave the Blue Jays the sweep.
How It Happened (Match 2 vs. Eastern)
- The second match saw the Eagles take a big 8-0 lead at the start against the Phoenix. A kill from Demetrius Simmons (XXX) and McCoy provided some momentum, but the early deficit was too much for the Blue and White to overcome as Eastern went up 1-0.
- The second set against Eastern was the best for the Phoenix on the day. A Sviben kill followed by an Alshaikhali ace and an Eagles error gave Wilson an 11-10 lead midway through the set. Another Sviben kill and an Eagles error allowed the Phoenix to be tied as late as 17-all, but Wilson wasn't able to take advantage. The next three points went to Eastern, and after a Sviben kill and a Wyatt Tribett (So., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Mechanicsburg) ace, a 5-1 run to finish the set gave Eastern a 2-0 lead.
- The third set belonged completely to Eastern as it jumped out to a 13-2 lead. Wilson was unable to string consecutive points together as Eastern took the match.
Inside The Numbers
- Sviben led the attack for the Phoenix and finished with 15 kills on the day. He was also busy setting up the team when the rotation left him in the back row and added 13 assists.
- Natale set up the attack outside of Sviben and led the Phoenix with 24 assists on the day.
- Defensively Camden Sterner (FY, Spring Grove, Pa. / Spring Grove) led the team with 19 digs. He recorded a baker's dozen alone in the opener against Elizabethtown.
Up Next
Another tri-match awaits the Phoenix next Saturday. This one will be at home as Wilson welcomes Wilkes and St. Vincent. Wilson and Wilkes will play at noon before the Phoenix closes with the Bearcats at 4 p.m.
