Sports
Ace Nation: Waterford exhausts Trimble in a back-and-forth battle
By: Trenton Nickels
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GLOUSTER, Ohio (WOUB) — The Waterford Wildcats defeated the Trimble Tomcats in a thrilling TVC-Hocking match on Thursday night.
At the start of the first set tensions were already high with each team fighting in long rallies scraping for every point they could get. Both teams were giving their all when Bailee Bickley hyped up the crowd with a pair of aces. The Tomcats started to see separation once they came back with another pair of aces, this time by Brooklyn Burdette, Tomcats up four to eight. Just as quickly as the Tomcats gained momentum, so did the Wildcats with a huge block by Hadley Offenberger, narrowing the gap to eight to ten. Trimble responded with absolute dominance on the court, taking control of the game with kills left and right. After a Waterford timeout the atmosphere of the building ran cold as they slowly came crawling back through long and grueling rallies. With Ryleigh Rutler at the helm the Wildcats went on a 7-point tear bringing the score to 23 to 19. Waterford’s push at the end was too much for Trimble, bringing set one to a close 25 to 21.
The Wildcat’s rhythm bled into the second set jumping out to a ten to one lead. This was serviced by a pair of aces by Offenberger. After this degrading start to the second set Trimble’s Macy Vore gave an explosive kill to revive the team’s morale. With the stands rocking, the Tomcats narrowed the lead 14 to 10. The pressure of playing in enemy territory seemed to be piecing Waterford’s efforts bringing the score within three. The Wildcats decided to go back to the basics and played every point until their last breath. The Wildcats exhausted the Tomcats and finished the set 25 to 18.
To begin set three Trimble walked onto the court with a new presence. They discovered their hotspots with players Vore and Rilynn Fouts carrying fire in their hearts with a set of kills. After this, Trimble took a convincing eight to three lead. They continued to pound on the Waterford defense with kill after kill. Waterford tried to activate their defense, but couldn’t due to a pair of blocks by Vore and Burdette. This took their lead to 18 to 13. The Tomcats didn’t let go of this newfound energy and punished Waterford for every mistake they made, taking the set 25 to 20.
Just like the flip of a switch Trimble was back in this match. They began the 4th set trying to tire the Waterford defense, but their efforts were only slightly beneficial as Waterford kicked into 4th gear. The game was gritty tied at 11 with both teams at their highest. With a huge block by Offenberger, Waterford saw the first separation leading 14-11. Trimble lost energy, and it was clear the team’s stamina was taking a toll as Waterford looked to close the game out. With Waterford leading 24-19, a burst of energy hit the Tomcats, as they made a 5-point run, making it a tie game at 24. Waterford decided to turn the lights out on The Tomcats with two exhilarating points, ending the set and match 26 to 24.
“They played hard point for point and that’s what I want them to do.” Said Head coach Brandi Freer when asked about what her team can take from this loss.
Trimble will travel to Hilliard Davison on Saturday. Waterford hosts Meigs on Monday and will hope to continue their success from tonight.