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Ace Nation: Federal Hocking Lancers put down the hammer in a powerful three-set victory over South Gallia

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STEWART, Ohio (WOUB) — Federal Hocking Lancers destroyed the South Gallia Rebels in three-sets. 

The Lancers entered Tuesday’s match looking to bounce back from a four-set loss to The Southern Tornadoes on Thursday, while South Gallia was hoping to recover after dropping three straight sets to The Valley Indians. 

Head Coach Ryan Grimm also shared his perspective on the team’s culture since taking over. “We’ve really progressed. There’s a strong dynamic in the locker room, and clear parameters. There’s no gray area,” Grimm said.

The Lancers huddle up during a timeout
The Lancers huddle up during a timeout [Tanner Wright | WOUB Public Media]
Federal Hocking came out determined, racing to a seven to three lead capped off by a crushing kill from Junior Ellie Needs that forced an early Rebels timeout. From there, the Lancers controlled the set, as Karlee Grimm powered down four consecutive kills to extend the advantage to eighteen to nine. To seal the deal, libero Brenlee Cottrill delivered a back-row laser, closing out Set One in dominant fashion, 25–16. 

The Lancers carried their momentum into the second set, storming out to a commanding ten to two lead highlighted by an ace from Grimm. South Gallia struggled to find answers, never pulling within 10 points again as Juniper Ballew’s relentless pressure kept the Rebels on their heels. Making her return from injury, Megan Reichardt made an immediate impact, firing a thunderous kill that deflated the Rebels’ energy. Moments later, Needs sealed the set with a sharp ace into the corner, giving Federal Hocking a decisive 25–14 victory in Set Two. 

Set three opened with South Gallia unraveling, committing six early errors that handed Federal Hocking a quick seven to zero lead. After a timeout at ten to three, the Rebels’ Michaelanne Ours came out on fire, sparking a rally with two kills and back-to-back blocks to cut the deficit to ten to nine. From there, the set turned into a back-and-forth battle, with South Gallia pulling within one at 19–18 after an ace from Rebel Molly McWhorter, but the Lancers regrouped out of a timeout, closing the door with a final surge to take the set 25–20 and secure the sweep. 

When asked about the third set, Juniper Ballew noted, “That run was a negative on our part, we were giving them a bunch of points, and we need to clean that up.” 

Federal Hocking Lancers will look to carry their momentum into Thursday’s matchup against Waterford Wildcats, while South Gallia will aim to bounce back in today’s contest against the Notre Dame Titans.