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Ace Nation: Buckeyes grab their first win of the season

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Buchtel, Ohio (WOUB) — The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes clinched their very first win of the season on Monday night against the Federal Hocking Lancers, winning three sets to one. 

The first set started off hot for the Buckeyes behind the killer arm of Gianna Dixon. The Lancers’ defense could not fend off her attack. Federal Hockings’ Karlee Grimm had some key hits to defend their side of the net, but it was not enough to stop the Buckeyes. Nelsonvilles’ Megan Booth, rallied the team with four aces in a row to keep them in the lead. Nelsonville took the first set 25 to 10. 

The Lancers bounced back in the second set. Sophomore libero, Brenlee Cottrill, was everywhere digging up the hard-hit balls in the back row. With the sudden fire on the other side of the net, Booth did her best to keep her team calm and collected as they were down. It was not enough though as the Lancers gained the lead by being aggressive from the serving line and unforced errors by the Buckeyes. Federal Hocking took the second set 25 to 23. 

Both teams continued to battle for every point in the third set with many extended rallies. The Lancers’ block touches were a huge help for the team as Dixon’s hits were difficult to defend. Both teams had serving errors that kept the score close but Nelsonville pulled ahead, taking the third set 25 to 21. 

Buckeye Gianna Dixon goes up for a kill
Buckeye Gianna Dixon goes up for a kill [Greta Gunderson | WOUB Public Media]
“Federal Hocking is a very scrappy team and we knew we’d be in for a battle.” said Buckeyes’ head coach Wayne Dicken. “We kind of beat ourselves in the second set, Federal Hocking did a great job of exploiting some of our weaknesses.” 

In the fourth set, both teams continued to bring the intensity but Nelsonville could not be stopped. As soon as the whistle blew with Kyleigh Warren began showing off her killer swings at the net leaving the Lancers diving after balls. Nelsonville went on to win the set 25 to 11. 

The Lancers play the Wellston Golden Rockets at home on Tuesday and the Buckeyes will head to Warren to take on the Warriors on Thursday.