Receiving the set pass from junior libero Audrey Tubbs, senior Reese Weslow sent yet another kill over the net at the Yellow Jackets.
“Our service passing has been getting a lot better,” Reese said. “This made a big difference and helps us establish a set offense.”
Division One bound Reese made these kills a habit Thursday night, punishing Greenville early and often. FHC Varsity volleyball swept the Greenville Yellow Jackets in 3 quick sets.
Entering the match, the Rangers came in confident. Coming off of a sweep versus Northview, FHC looked to repeat their previous success.
“Greenville is the first team we play in our district playoff,” Head coach Lauren Heinz said. “We came out trying to set the tone and prove a point so next time we face them we have that upper hand mentally.”
As the first set got underway, the Rangers and Yellow Jackets traded points back and forth. Seniors Emily Wiltz and Bri Tilton made several key defensive plays to propel the Rangers to a first set win. Spiking the ball past two Greenville blockers, Reese gave FHC the first set 26-24.
Although the Rangers won the first set, they didn’t let their foot off of the gas in the second. Jumping out to an early 9-5 lead, FHC was in a comfortable position. Up big, the Rangers became lackadaisical on defense, opening the door for Greenville. Still holding a marginal lead, sophomore Katrina Bodkins stepped up. Posting four consecutive aces, Katrina served the Rangers to victory in set two.
“We came out aggressive,” said Katrina, who’s the only sophomore on this varsity team. “We went after everything, and let nothing fall. That was key.”
Down two sets, Greenville came out of the gates hot in set three. The Yellow Jackets jumped on the Rangers, forcing FHC to show their true colors. Down 5-1 early, the Rangers fought back. With productive offense and ace serves from both Bri and Katrina, the Rangers defense was more than enough to secure a deserved victory. FHC pulled away late, and completed the sweep, winning the third set 25-15.
“Our goal this year is to win conference,” Heinz said. “Every game we need to come out ready to go.”
Coming off of back-to-back sweeps, the Rangers will look to go into their next match up against Cedar Springs with momentum.
“We need to improve our communication and our energy,” Heinz said. “We need to stay constant, not up and down like a roller coaster. We’ve been on a high recently, so let’s see if we can repeat the result from tonight.”