We enter Metea Valley as they hold their annual Pink out for Breast Cancer Awareness, facing off against Neuqua Valley. The Wildcats come off a loss to Naperville Central earlier in the week.
First Set
And the wildcats start off strong thanks to two aces early in the game thanks to Taylor O’Malley. Cats grab hold of the lead early on.
Little later and the cats show that they have power on the court as well as behind the service line. Ally Knapczyk sets up Riley Ammenhouser for the kill that Metea cannot handle. Cats remain in the lead.
But here come the mustangs. And they have service power too. Morgan Rank gets an ace behind the line to put Metea back in it.
Few points later and Neuqua looks for the point as Faith Johnson goes for the attempt. It’s dug out and then Metea give Cora Ondras the nod and she doesn’t disappoint as she gets the point.
Fun point a little later. After metea goes for the attempt and O’Malley makes the great dig, Neuqua is forced to send a free ball over. Keira Jannisch at the net hits between the blocks for the mustangs to take the lead.
Metea continues their offensive attacks as Regan Holmer sets up Emily Day for the kill and the mustangs keep rolling through the first set.
The back and fourth battle of set one comes to an end as Ondrus gets up for another kill to take the first set, 25-23.
Second Set
There seemed to be a lot of fire serves happening tonight as Keira Jannsich gets one for Metea as the mustangs take the lead in the second set.
But then Neuqua fights back with a 1 2 3 as Leil Thomas gets the quick set for the Wildcat point.
Longer rally in the second that shows off both teams strengths. Cora Ondrus gets the tip over for Metea and the Wildcats then have O’Malley go for the attempt but it’s dug out. Things then get interesting at the net Metea throws up the block but Neuqua’s defense is ready for it and then Faith Johnson ends the craziness with the monster kill as Neuqua takes the second set 25-22.
Third Set
To the third set and Neuqua starts off strong as Knapczyk sets up Ammenhauser for another one of her powerful kill for the cats to grab the lead early.
Knapczyk gets another assist as she shoots one over to O’Malley for the put down as Neuqua remains in the lead.
But don’t count out Metea. Emily Day with the slam that tips off the block to keep the mustangs close.
Neuqua throwing block party after block party on this next point… make sure you bring your sun screen because Lauren Housholder and Liel Thomas get the triple block at the net getting everyone pumped up!
Neuqua just clicking on all cyclinders now as their offense and defense is working together. Knapczyk gets up Johnson this time for the kill and the cats can taste the valley rivalrly win.
And that’s exactly what happens. Knapczyk first sets up Ammenhauser but she gets blocked… no worries though, O’Malley on the next attempt and she finds floor as Neuqua takes the tough three set victory over metea valley 23-25, 25-22, 25-19.
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