RYAN POWERS ATHENS IN FOUR-SET WIN OVER TOWANDA

By: Tim Birney  /  October 4, 2022  /  Photo: Chris Manning

TOWANDA — Short-handed Athens, led by senior Jenny Ryan’s quadruple-double, got stronger as the night went on, rallying after dropping the first set for a 3-1 win over Towanda here Tuesday night in NTL Large School Division volleyball action.

The Lady Black Knights pulled out a 26-24 win in the first set, but the Lady Wildcats bounced back with wins of 25-21, 25-15, and 25-15.

“I am beyond proud as a coach tonight,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “We were out two starters — Braelynn Wood due to injury and Audrey Clare due to illness — but got the job done.”

Ryan posted her second quadruple-double of the season with 24 service points, including seven aces, 18 kills, 21 setter assists, and 16 digs, while sophomore Kassie Babcock had 19 points, including six assists, five kills, one block, and 15 digs, junior Emily Marshall had 18 points (three aces), two kills, eight assists, and nine digs, and sophomore Ella Coyle had three points (three aces), two kills, and 26 digs.

“Jenny Ryan played incredible tonight and definitely shined in her leadership role,” said Hanson. “The way that girl runs the floor is unbelievable. She is quick and agile, and made her passers and hitters look amazing.

“Ella Coyle’s defense and serve-receive was beautiful tonight,” noted Hanson. “Ella stepped up big and I saw her take more ownership of the entire back row … she was flying and it shows in her stats with 26 digs and 24 serve receptions.

Emily Marshall stepped up and saw a lot of playing time, along with Sammi Mack — both did great,” added Hanson.

Senior Cassy Friend had seven points, and 12 kills, while senior Cailin McDaniel added three points, four kills, one block, and six digs, sophomore Keaton Wiles added four kills and two digs,, and junior Samantha Mack chipped in with three digs.

“Cassy Friend and Jenny Ryan and had some hard hits tonight. It’s really cool to see these girls really step up at this stage of the season,” said Hanson.

“Cailin McDaniel was a leader out there and is so competitive,” she added.

Athens, now 5-5, hosts Wellsboro Thursday.