TOP-SEEDED BERWICK TOO MUCH FOR ATHENS

By: Tim Birney  /  October 23, 2021  /  Photo: Lance Larcom

BERWICK —  Last year, Berwick ended Athens’ Cinderella run through the District 2-4 Class AAA Sub-Regionals in the finals. This year, Berwick ended it before it could even get started.

The Lady Bulldogs swept the Lady Wildcats by scores of 25-15, 25-15, and 25-11 here Saturday in the opening round of the District 2-4 Class AAA Sub-Regionals.

“It was a good effort,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “Berwick has a big powerhouse hitter and that took the momentum from us.

“It was a great experience for the girls. I am so proud of them and the effort they put in,” added Hanson.

In 2020,  a senior-laden Athens team entered the Sub-Regionals as the seventh seed, and promptly upset second-seeded Greater Nanticoke in a five-set thriller. In the semis, Athens swept Tunkhannock to advance to the championship match against top-seeded Berwick.

Led by a pair sophomore hitters — 6-1 Cece Isenberg and 5-10 Sarah Steeber, Berwick swept Athens.

The Lady Bulldogs, who return nearly everyone from last year’s team, dominated play at the net Saturday.

Junior Braleynn Wood led Athens with seven service points, six assists, and three digs, while senior Taylor Walker had six points, and seven digs, and freshman Ella Coyle had four points and 14 digs.

Freshman Kassie Babcock had four points, including three aces, and three kills, while junior Audrey Clare had four points, four assists, and four digs, senior Ally Martin had three points, five digs, and two kills, junior Cassy Friend added three kills, and junior Cailin McDaniel chipped in with two digs.

Athens, now 6-7, wraps up the regulars season with three matches next week, beginning at Corning Monday.