Sports
Athens Stays Perfect Against Alexander
By: Abbey Kay
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The Athens Bulldogs took down their rival team, the Alexander Spartans on Thursday night. After three intense sets, Athens held on to their perfect record in the 2017 season.
“I know my girls really wanted this game. From the beginning of this season, it’s been on our calendar,” Coach Haley Dake said.
Athens’ outside hitter Gabby Carey lead the team with over 10 kills that were strategically placed around Alexander’s defense. The Bulldogs setter, Sierra Smith, was second on the board for kills, dropping in 7 unexpected tips on Alexander. Smith definitely stepped up to the table as this was the first game this rotation was used because Athens’ second setter was injured earlier in the week. We look forward to seeing what else these two seniors bring to the table throughout the rest of the season.
Alexander’s attacker Hope Smallwood had 8 kills against Athens big blockers. The Spartans’ libero Mallory Rankin read Athens’ big hitters very well leading her team in digs and serve receive passing, along with her two aces.
Athens came out strong in the first and second sets, although Coach Dake commented that she wished her girls held more confidence in their abilities on the court. Alexander’s Coach Nikki Ohms used her timeouts very strategically, even icing one of Athens’ servers in the first set.
In the third set, Alexander brought their “A” game and quickly took the lead. Midway through the set, the game was going point for point resulting in a 23-23 tie. Coach Ohms called one final timeout, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Bulldogs’ momentum. Athens took set three with the final score 25-23.
The Lady Bulldogs are competing in a big tournament this weekend against three very strong opponents: Pickerington North, Granville, and Big Walnut.