Athens Junior High Volleyball Teams Conclude Season with Thrilling Wins Against Towanda
By: Stephanie Dougherty / October 17, 2024
The Athens Junior High Volleyball teams ended their regular season on the road at Towanda, as both the 8th A and 8th B teams claimed victory in their final matches of the regular season.
In 8th A action, Athens emerged victorious in two nail-biting sets, defeating Towanda 26-24, 26-24. Set one was a fierce back-and-forth battle with rallies keeping the score neck-and-neck. With the teams tied at 22, Eden Fedorchak’s crucial serve gave Athens a slim edge, but Towanda responded with a side-out to level it at 24. Athens, unfazed, secured a side-out of their own, and Lilli Miller took the pressure in stride, delivering two clutch points at the service line to secure the 26-24 win.
Madison Sinsabaugh and Miller led the team with 4 pts each with Sinsabaugh firing off 2 aces and Miller one of her own. Eden Fedorchak, Emilynn McQuay, Jonica Walters, and Kayla Forbes each added a point to the board. At the net, Hailey Smith, Olivia Frantz, and Sorana Marica contributed with kills, while Walters and Forbes anchored the defense with stellar play.
Set two was just as intense, with both teams showcasing fierce serving, making serve-receive a challenge on both sides. Kayla Forbes set the tone early, launching an incredible nine-point run that included three aces, but Towanda wasn’t ready to back down, answering with an 11-point surge of their own.
Athens found themselves trailing 21-24 and on the brink of a set loss. But the Wildcats made a critical side-out, pulling within two points, and brought Jonica Walters to the service line. With the game on the line, Walters fired off four unanswered points, including two aces, the last of which sealed the 26-24 victory for Athens.
Contributing to the win was Miller who chipped in two points with an ace and Sinsabaugh added five points and three aces. At the net, Addison Moss posted two kills, and McQuay added another as Athens wrapped up an exhilarating win. The 8th A team concludes their outstanding season with an 11-3 record.
In 8th B action, Athens battled hard in a three-set thriller, eventually overpowering Towanda. Athens captured set one with a 25-22 victory, powered by Natali Reeves’ five-point effort, including three aces. Marybelle Hollingsead contributed two points, with one ace, and Evelyn Roy added two more points and an ace. Kylie Hill, Averi Jackson, and Addison Glielmi all contributed to the scoreline with a point each, and Jackson delivered a powerful kill to cap off the set.
Set two saw Towanda rebound despite a strong serving performance from Athens. Averi Jackson led the charge with seven points, three of which were aces, while Kylie Hill contributed three points and an ace of her own. Evelyn Roy also chipped in with an ace, and Jackson recorded another kill at the net. Defensively, Hollingseed and Glielmi shined with impressive back-row saves, but Towanda managed to pull ahead for the win.
Athens rallied in set three, dominating the scoreboard to secure a 15-8 victory and the match. Natali Reeves led with five points, including an ace, while Malorie Chandler added two points and Kylie Hill contributed one. The standout moment of the match came from Makayla Brinkley, who delivered a game-winning back-row kill initiated by her own serve, sealing the victory and giving Athens the decisive win.
The Athens 8th A team will now set their sights on the Williamson Junior High Volleyball Tournament this Saturday, where they’ll look to finish their season on a high note.
