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Ace Nation: Bulldogs sweep Buckeyes in TVC-Ohio matchup

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BUCHTEL, Ohio (WOUB) — The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes hosted the Athens Bulldogs in a TVC-Ohio matchup. The Bulldogs swept the Buckeyes in straight sets. 

In the first set, Athens jumped out to an early lead after a kill from Sofia Smith, up nine to two. The Buckeyes called a timeout and slowly clawed their way back into the set. A kill from Cat Dickson brought Nelsonville-York within four points of the Bulldogs’ lead, 10 to 14. Athens put their foot on the gas pedal from there on out, finishing the set with an ace from Avery Hart, 25 to 17. 

The Bulldogs came out fast again in set two. Back-to-back aces from Evie Garland and a kill from Mabel Monday put Athens ahead eight to three. The Bulldogs stayed aggressive behind the service line collecting five aces in the set. This propelled Athens to a 25 to 12 set two win. 

Heading into the third set the Bulldogs were eyeing a sweep, Head Coach Hailee Hart reminded her team that it was not over yet. 

“I just reminded them that they had to come out and play every single point. To swing big and to use everything they had in their toolbox to get the job done”. 

Both teams were ready for battle in the beginning of the third set. A kill from Kaitlyn Alvis gave the Buckeyes an early six to four lead. An ace from Morgan Lehman and a Bulldog error forced an Athens timeout, Nelsonville-York up 13 to 10. The Bulldogs fought back out of the timeout and both teams went point for point until a kill from Emma Meili gave Athens a 24 to 22 lead. The Buckeyes were not done yet and tied the score at 24, on a block from Lexi Warren. Despite Nelsonville-York’s efforts, it was not enough, and the Bulldogs won the set on a block from Monday, 26 to 24.

Bulldog Mabel Monday attacks at the net
Bulldog Mabel Monday attacks at the net [Andy McLean | WOUB Public Media]
When asked about her defensive game plan, Monday discussed her blocking goals. 

“I was hoping to get a lot of blocks tonight because it gets the team hype and makes it easier on our back row too.” 

The Bulldogs hope to ride this momentum as they host the River Valley Raiders for senior night on Thursday.  The Buckeyes look to bounce back as they travel to Meigs to take on the Marauders on Thursday as well.