By Brad Morris
SportingPumpkin.com
It was time to party on Thursday like it was 2019.
That’s because Amanda-Clearcreek snapped a 34-match Mid-State League Buckeye Division losing skid by outlasting visiting Fairfield Union 20-25, 25-23, 28-26, 18-25 and 15-9.
It was the first win for the Aces during league play since Oct. 3, 2019 when they defeated Logan Elm in a five-set match.
The Aces (3-6, 1-5) showed fortitude throughout the match, rallying from a 17-10 deficit in the third set to win. After dropping the fourth set, they responded again to win the sprint to 15 in the final set.
“We have a solid group of athletes on this volleyball team that work hard and battle every time they step on the court,” Amanda-Clearcreek coach Jodi Good said.
Good discussed getting the girls to buy in and believe in their potential since the program has struggled on the court over five consecutive losing seasons that saw the Aces produce a combined total of 10 wins.
“Because it has been so long since they’ve had a league win, it’s difficult to get them to believe they can,” she said. “They have made huge strides in overall game IQ. We have been working on mental toughness and staying composed throughout the highs and lows of a match and we are seeing progress.
“Each match they have been competing hard and just coming up short. I hope this win gives them the confidence boost we’ve been searching for.”
Grace Davis led the Aces at the net with 14 kills, Hailey Towers tossed in seven and Allie Leist accounted for six. Davis also threw in a pair of solo blocks defensively and had three total blocks, while Braeleigh Blosser recorded two solo blocks and 3.5 total blocks.
Amanda-Clearcreek was also sharp from the service line with 13 aces, led by Katie Kemmerling, Taylor Evans and Davis contributing three apiece.
Evans also helped power the net game by distributing 20 assists and Kemmerling dished out 13.
Sowers led the defensive effort with 21 digs and Emma Kern chipped in 16.
The Aces continue league competition on Tuesday at Logan Elm.
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