Sports

Ace Nation: The Eastern Eagles sweep the Federal Hocking Lancers in early TVC play

By: Sofi Houg
Posted on: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

REEDSVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) — To continue conference play in the TVC, the Eastern Eagles swept the Federal Hocking Lancers in three sets.

The Eagles came out hot with an early six-two lead with multiple errors on the Lancers’ side. Eagles’ libero Emeri Lloyd had back-to-back aces to further the gap. This made the score twelve to two.

Similarly, outside hitter Brooklyn Barkey closed out the first set with two aces, leaving the final score 25 to 6.

The second set started with a momentum switch from Federal Hocking. Outside hitter Juniper Ballew added two kills early on. Bellew finished with five kills on the night.

The Lancers maintained this momentum for the majority of the game. The Eagles had multiple service errors and were unable to side out. After three errors, Eagles head coach Courtney Whittington called a timeout.

Eastern answered with three kills in a row by Braelyn Simpson, tying the game at 24 all. The Eagles ended the game with an ace from Ashlynn Thomas, winning the game 26 to 24.

Eagle Braelyn Simpson attacks at the net [Jillian Sanders | WOUB Public Media]

The third set began just like the first set, with an early lead from Eastern. Aedre Ault and Brooklyn Barkey strung together a couple of kills, putting them up six to two.

Federal Hocking rallied and closed the gap. This change began with 3 errors from miscommunications for the Eagles.

Easten refused to go away, with more impressive kills from outside hitter Braelyn Simpson, who finished with 18 kills overall. The Eagles took the third set 25 to 14.

Eastern continues TVC play, taking on the Belpre Golden Eagles on Thursday. Federal Hocking will host the Southern Tornados on Thursday as well. Head coach Ryan Grimm added in a few thoughts as they head into their next match, “The intensity in this environment need to pick up a little bit, they need to clean it up and lock in.”