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Ace Nation: The Athens Bulldogs top the Vinton County Vikings in a three-set sweep

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THE PLAINS, Ohio (WOUB) — The Athens Bulldogs dominated the Vinton County Vikings in a TVC Ohio matchup. 

Athens opened strong in the first set, pulling ahead 13 to 9 after a slam from Emma Meili. The Bulldogs capitalized on the momentum and closed the set 25 to 19, capped off by an ace from Grace Inboden that left the dog pound barking.

The Bulldogs celebrate a point
The Bulldogs celebrate a point [Cole Farbizo | WOUB Public Media]
Vinton County responded in the second set, taking advantage of four Athens errors and a massive block from Marlea Huff to jump out to an eight to four lead. But Athens’ Meili swung the momentum back with three straight kills, tying the set at 11 to 11. The Bulldogs’ defense held off the Vikings the rest of the way, and two late aces from Sofia Smith secured a 25 to 18 win for a two to zero match lead. 

The third set belonged entirely to Athens. Inboden opened with back-to-back aces, giving the Bulldogs a five to two edge. From there, Athens went on a 15-2 run fueled by seven more aces, building a commanding 22-9 lead. Evie Garland closed out the sweep with an ace in the corner, sealing a 25-12 victory. 

Athens finished with 11 aces in the third set alone, accounting for nearly half of its points. 

The Athens Bulldogs will look to continue this momentum at the Wellston Golden Rockets this Thursday. While the Vinton County Vikings are looking to rally tonight against the Meigs Marauders.