Lady Bulldogs Fall to Monterey in Squeaker 3-2

September 1, 2020 admin featured

By Terry Futrell

In the closest volleyball match that we have seen this season, the Wartburg Central Lady Bulldogs had an apparent victory snatched from their hands in the final seconds by the Monterey Lady Wildcats 3-2. The Lady Wildcats took control at the net, taking advantage of the height and skills of Adaline Clouse. Monterey responded to many vicious spikes by Wartburg’s Savannah Tinch and carefully placed the ball where Wartburg could not respond.

Monterey jumped out to an early 5-1 lead in the first set. Wartburg fought back to take a 7-6 lead when Morgan Beard served consecutive aces. Monterey fought back and tied 11-11, then pulled away to win the set 25-16.

Morgan Beard took the serve in the second set with the Lady Bulldogs trailing 4-3. Beard served two aces and then four more points to give Wartburg a 9-4 lead. The Lady Bulldogs’ defense took control and Wartburg moved on to win the set 25-16.

The third set was a real battle with the lead changing four times before Alivia Laymance took the serve with Wartburg trailing 14-13. Laymance served six consecutive points, including two aces, to give the Lady Bulldogs a 19-14 lead. Wartburg fought off Monterey’s attempted comeback and won the set 25-22.

The fourth set was another close battle with the lead changing three times before Monterey took the lead for good at 20-19 and held on to win the set 25-20 and tie the match 2-2.

The Lady Bulldogs appeared to be in control in the fifth tiebreaker set as Madilyn Armes led off by serving six points, including three aces, to give Wartburg a commanding 6-0 lead. Wartburg led 7-1 when Monterey began to slowly fight back and decrease Wartburg’s lead. The Lady Wildcats tied the set at 9-9 and it was a battle to the finish, with the final tie occurring at 14-14. Monterey then scored two consecutive points to win the tiebreaker 16-14 and the match 3-2.

It was a heartbreaking loss for the Lady Bulldogs as they honored seniors Madilyn Armes, Savannah Tinch, and Emory Hamby. The Lady Bulldogs travel to Oakdale on Tuesday, September 1 to face the Lady Eagles.