Sports
Ace Nation: Athens kicks off the 2025 Ace Nation season with a three-set victory over Philo
By: Jillian Sanders
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THE PLAINS, Ohio (WOUB) — To kick off the new season of Ace Nation, the Athens Bulldogs won in straight sets against the Philo Electrics in their home opener.
Athens entered Tuesday’s match coming off a three-set loss to Warren on Saturday, while Philo defeated West Muskingum in a five-set nail-biter that same day.
The Bulldogs opened strong with back-to-back aces from senior outside hitter Liza Hartman. Philo battled back after several Athens defensive errors, but the set showcased the Bulldogs’ strength from behind the service line.
Senior setter Sofia Smith explained the team’s approach.
“We have a 1-2-3 rule,” Smith said. “We focus on having our first serve just go over and in, then we slowly progress each serve to become more and more aggressive.”
[Greta Gunderson | WOUB Public Media]
The second set began just like the first, with a kill from junior middle blocker Ava Meilli. Meilli finished with seven kills overall.
Philo refused to go away, capitalizing on more of Athens’ defensive miscues. Multiple miscommunication errors prompted Athen’s head coach Hailee Hart to call a timeout.
“I told them, you need to communicate and just be a team on the court,” Hart said. “We are a new team and trying to find that chemistry while running a new offense. There will be growing pains, and we just have to be mindful of that.”
Athens responded, regaining control with improved defense and service pressure. The Bulldogs took the second set 25-15 after an ace from junior libero Grace Inboden.
The Electrics made adjustments in the third set, inserting middle blocker Sophia Shima, who immediately delivered back-to-back aces to help Philo build a 14-8 lead. Athens called a timeout to regroup.
The Bulldogs rallied with key kills from Meilli and crucial aces from junior defensive specialist Erika Isphording. After several long rallies and strong communication, Athens closed out the set 25-21 to secure the sweep.
Athens will look to keep its momentum going Saturday when it hosts its annual Athens Invitational. Philo is set to host Meadowbrook on Wednesday night.