Sports

Ace Nation: Athens Holds Off Meigs in Tight Straight-Set Win

By: Sofi Houg
Posted on: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

THE PLAINS, Ohio (WOUB) – The Athens Bulldogs and the Meigs Marauders faced off in a close match Tuesday night. Athens managed to pull ahead and win in straight sets.

The opening set featured steady back-and-forth play from both teams. With the score at just three to one, Athens started to take control. An ace from number four Liza Hartman, along with a series of strong serves, helped the Bulldogs build a ten to four lead.

The momentum continued through the middle of the set, with Hartman’s back-to-back kills extending the Bobcats’ lead to seventeen to seven. Athens maintained their advantage, closing out the set with a decisive 25–14 win.

The second set began with Meigs holding the momentum. They started strong, winning the first three points to take a three to zero lead over the Bulldogs. However, Meigs struggled early with several errors, which allowed Athens to settle in. The Bulldogs took advantage and fought back, tying the score at 10–10.

From that point, the set remained tight. After a long rally with solid defense from both sides, Meigs’ number twelve Payton Kranyik, made a big block, tying the score again at 12–12. Both teams traded points without either gaining a solid lead. In the final stretch, Athens put together a series of points to create a gap, finishing the set with a 25–19 victory to even the match.

The third set stayed competitive from start to finish. Meigs took the lead early with a kill from freshman Ella Vaughn, putting them ahead five to two. Athens responded point for point, keeping the score close and preventing Meigs from building a comfortable lead.

As the set progressed, neither side gained much of an advantage. Athens’ Emma Meili noted the change for her team, saying,

Bulldog Emma Meili receives serve [Logan Smutylo | WOUB Public Media]

“We talked a lot about communication because we started to get a little quiet and down on ourselves.” With this adjustment, the Bulldogs found their rhythm late in the set. They performed well under pressure and finished strong, edging out Meigs with a 25–23 win to take the set.

Thursday brings the next challenge for both teams. The Bulldogs will face Gallia Academy, which could test their consistency after the win over Meigs. Meanwhile, the Marauders will focus on Vinton County as they aim to bounce back.