ATHENS RALLIES TO TOP SAYRE IN FIVE-SET THRILLER

By: Tim Birney  /  September 15, 2022  /  Photo: David Alliger

SAYRE — Senior Jenny Ryan posted a quadruple-double, and senior Audrey Clare added a triple-doubles to lead Athens in a come-from-behind, 3-2, win over Sayre here Thursday night in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Redskins did not play like a team searching for its first win. After dropping the first set, 25-13, Sayre bounced back to win the next two sets, 25-21 and 25-21.

The Lady Wildcats re-grouped and evened the match with a 25-18 win in the fourth set, then pulled out a 15-11 win in the decisive fifth set.

“Oh my goodness what a game,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “Sayre played incredible tonight, they would not let the ball hit the floor. They totally wanted it and came back with fire after the first game.

“We were pretty full of it after the first game and Sayre shut us down, not once but twice actually, and  almost a third time,” noted Hanson.”

Hanson gave kudos to Ryan and Clare after the win.

Jenny Ryan played and all-around incredible game,” she said. “High in kills, and second in digs, while also running the court and being a leader.

“Audrey Clare’s serving in the third game got us our spark back,” noted Hanson. “Even though we lost the third game, it reminded everyone we are a good team and we can do this.

“Overall, I was really encouraged by our strong serving,” added Hanson. “We had 105 serves and only missed 10 — that’s incredible.”

Ryan led Athens with 17 service points, including five aces, 22 setter assists, 14 kills,, two blocks, and 27 digs, while Clare had 10 points (two aces), 13 kills, and 11 digs.

Sophomore Kassie Babcock had nine points, 29 digs, and three kills in the win, while senior Braelynn Wood had four points, six kills, and 15 digs, junior Izzy Davis had three points and six digs, and senior Cailin McDaniel added two points and two digs.

Senior Cassy Friend registered four kills and one block for the Lady Wildcats, while sophomore Ella Coyle recorded 29 digs, junior Samantha Mack chipped in with three digs, and sophomore Keaton Wiles had two kills.

Senior Maddison Belles led Sayre with 22 points, including five aces, six kills, and 14 digs, while senior Gabby Shaw had 10 points (three aces), seven kills, two blocks, and 12 digs, sophomore Mazlin VanDuzer added five points, and senior Elizabeth Boyle had three points and 26 setter assists.

Senior Aliyah Rawling had two points, five kills, and seven digs for the Lady Redskins, while sophomore Raegan Parrish registered four kills, and eight digs, senior Makenna Garrison added two kills, and 14 digs, and sophomore Abbie McGaughey chipped in with two points, and two digs.

Athens, now 3-1, returns to action Saturday at the Tunkhannock Tournament, while Sayre (0-4) hosts Galeton Saturday at noon.