ATHENS CLOSES REGULAR SEASON WITH COME-FROM-BEHIND, 3-1, WIN OVER WYALUSING

By: Tim Birney  /  October 26, 2020  /  Photo: David Alliger

ATHENS — Wyalusing took advantage of three costly errors in a row to take the first set, but Athens responded with three dominant wins in a regular-season closing 3-1 win here Monday night in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Rams won the first set 25-22 on three consecutive unforced errors to end the match by Athens, but the Lady Wildcats answered with wins of 25-9, 25-9, and 25-15.

“It was a rough start, then we woke up,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “That’s volleyball sometimes. I'm glad they were able to turn it around and play some Wildcat volleyball.

The girls have set a standard of play for themselves, so they know when its time to pick it up,” she noted. “There was incredible play by everyone tonight.

“The biggest highlight is serving 95 out of 98 serves,” added Hanson. “That’s some focus right there. Shout out to all the girls, the whole team supporting one another.”

Senior Kayleigh Miller had 32 setter assists, 15 digs, four service aces, and two kills to lead Athens, while  senior Kylie Jayne registered 17 kills and two digs, senior Leah Liechty had 12 kills and three digs, and senior Taylor Field recorded 29 digs and two aces.

Sophomore Jenny Ryan had 14 digs, four kills and three assists for the Lady Wildcats, while junior Taylor Walker had six digs, four aces, and three kills, junior Ally Martin had six kills, two aces, and two digs, senior Grayce Witherow added nine digs, and senior Kim Wheeler chipped in with two digs and one kill

Athens finishes the regular season at 10-6, and will face Greater Nanticoke Thursday at 5 p.m. in the opening round of the District 2-4 Sub-Regional playoffs.

 “I can’t believe this was the last game of the regular season,” said Hanson. “This team is so special and incredible. Thank goodness for the playoffs to keep it going.”

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