ATHENS RALLIES TO TOP COWANESQUE VALLEY, 3-1

By: Tim Birney  /  September 8, 2022  /  Photo: David Alliger

ATHENS — Athens overcame a slow start and rallied for a 3-1 win over Cowanesque Valley here Thursday night in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Indians won the first set 25-23, but the Lady Wildcats bounced back to win the next three sets by scores of 25-14, 15-9, and 25-20.

“We had a slow start, which CV totally jumped on,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “CV played well tonight and was very determined. We needed a reality check that teams aren’t going to wait for us to catch up.

“We need to refocus on basics and communication.

“Everyone saw playing time tonight which is awesome to see the team mesh with each other and not panic,” she noted.

“I know we are finding our rhythm right now,” Hanson added. “I am not patient when it comes to that part, but it’s not about me it’s about the team believing and trusting in each other.  It’s on them to become that unstoppable team if that’s what they want.

Audrey Clare led Athens with nine service points, including six aces, 14 kills, two setter assists and 13 digs, while Jenny Ryan had two points (two aces), eight kills, 24 assists, and eight digs, and Braelynn Wood had nine kills and seven digs.

Cassy Friend had two points, three kills, three blocks, and six digs in the win, while Kassie Babcock had three points, seven kills, and one block, Ella Coyle recorded seven digs, and Keaton Wiles added four points — all aces.

Athens, now 2-1, returns to action Saturday at the Williamson Tournament.