(FREDERICK, Md.) – A total team effort was needed for Wilson to overcome Hood in a five-set, come-from-behind thriller on the road Friday evening. The Phoenix dropped the first set and rallied back from a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Blazers and snap a five-match losing streak in the process.
It wasn't an exaggeration either as six different players had at least seven kills and four reached double figures in digs to push the Blue and White to victory.
The Basics
Scores: Wilson 3, Hood 2 (17-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13)
Venue: Volpe Athletic Center
Records: Wilson 3-5, Hood 4-8
How It Happened
- It was clear that the Blazers were looking to avenge a season-opening defeat to the Phoenix as they jumped out to a 15-5 lead to start the contest. Wilson was able to trim the deficit down to six, but couldn't stop Hood from taking the opening set.
- The Phoenix did their best to reverse roles in the second and opened the frame with a 7-3 lead thanks to a couple kills from Andrew Sviben (So., Bressler, Pa. / Central Dauphin East / Lourdes). They couldn't extend the lead though, which allowed Hood to take an 11-10 lead with a 6-1 run. Later in the set Wilson returned the favor with a 6-1 run to take a 22-18 lead with kills from Sviben and Saria Alshaikhali (Sr., Jeddah, Saudi Arabia / Hayfield) and an ace from Xavier Webber (So., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Central Dauphin East). A pair of swings by Demetrius Simmons (So., Mechanicsburg, Pa. / Mechanicsburg) closed out the set to even the match at 1-1.
- After an even start to the third, Hood started to create some separation with a 6-2 run to go up 15-10. The Blazers were able to hold a five-point lead as late as 22-17 before Wilson made a push near the end where the hosts played for the potential game point three times. The Phoenix stayed alive with a kill from Ryan Koontz (FY, York Haven, Pa. / Red Land) and a Hood error, but the Blazers eventually closed it out with a Sean Seely kill.
- Looking to close out the match, Hood jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead to open the fourth. A kill by Simmons generated some momentum, and attacks by Webber, Sviben, and Jacob McCoy (So., York, Pa. / Spring Grove) helped the Phoenix erase the deficit for a 10-all score. Hood was able to go back in front by a few before the Phoenix answered in a big way with four kills and an ace to take a 24-21 lead. After Hood remained alive with an Adam Bartice kill, Koontz gave Wilson additional life with a kill to send it to the fifth.
- The fifth was about as close as it could be with five ties in the battle to 15. After both teams exchanged the opening four points, Wilson regained the lead with a kill from Sviben followed by a block between Alshaikhali and Simmons. Hood was able to answer almost every time and kept things locked even as late as 11-11. The Phoenix were able to take the lead for good on a kill from McCoy sandwiched between two from Sviben for a 14-11 lead. While the Blazers scored the next two, Alshaikhali ended it on an assist from Vincent Natale (So., Mt. Airy, Md. / Linganore).
Inside The Numbers
- Sviben recorded his second triple-double of the season with 10 kills, 23 assists, and 14 digs. He led the team in all three categories, sharing honors with Koontz who had 10 kills and Natale who tallied 23 assists.
- Simmons was highly effective up front as he finished with eight kills on 15 attempts for an attack percentage of .467. Defensively he posed problems as well with three blocks, one of which was solo.
- Other leaders defensively saw Webber (13), Natale (12), and Camden Sterner (FY, Spring Grove, Pa. / Spring Grove) all turn up double-digits in digs.
- Hood was led by Charles Casas and Seely as the bulk of the offense went through them. Casas led the match with 22 kills and Seely wasn't far behind with 18. Casas had a double-double with 16 digs as well.
- This is the first match in program history where six players had at least seven kills. The closest the Phoenix had got before was a match during their third season were five players all had six or more.
Up Next
A trip to Wilkes awaits the Phoenix this Thursday. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
