Sports
Ace Nation: Spartans sweep Lancers in home opener
By: Jillian Sanders
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – The Alexander Spartans hosted their first home game of the season this week against the Federal Hocking Lancers.
The Spartans were on the hunt for another win after losing their last game to Logan 3-0. On the other side of the net, the Lancers were hoping to keep their two-game win streak alive. Unfortunately, they could not hold on. The Spartans swept the Lancers in straight sets on Monday evening.
Alexander stepped onto the court with dominant force, taking the first six points. Federal Hocking could not keep up with Spartan powerhouse, Senior Lexi Grissett. The wall was built by Sophomore Meena Juedes who had back-to-back blocks to get the Spartans rolling. Eventually, Grissett went on a kill run, collecting a total of 24 through all three sets. The Spartans won the first set 25 to 14.
Federal Hocking did not give up heading into the second set. The Lancers started confident as they opened the second set five to two. Their confidence was soon overpowered by the Spartans’ steady offense. Grissett and Macie Swart had powerful swings, sending kills to the floor to bring the Spartans back. Federal Hocking kept the game close with their quick backline. Freshman Brenlee Cottrill kept the Lancers alive with heavy digs, but it wasn’t enough. Alexander took the second set 25 to 19.
The Spartans were eyeing a sweep, leading two sets to none. Federal Hocking stayed positive going into the third set, but Alexander shut them down with a 14-point service run from Senior Trista Johnson. Johnson collected countless aces that led the Spartans to victory. Federal Hocking tried to come back with some long rallies but, Alexander would go on to win the last set 25 to 10.
The Spartans regained their confidence with a two and two record heading into their first conference game Tuesday night at Wellston.
“The girls have set the expectation high” Coach Lutz said. “The last two years we have come short one game of being TVC Champs, so that is our ultimate goal going into this season.”
As the Spartans head to the home of the Golden Rockets, they are hoping to get one step closer to that goal.
Even though Federal Hocking’s streak was ended by Alexander, they look to bounce back as they travel to Eastern Thursday night. JV is set to start at 6 and varsity will follow.