PITSBURG – Franklin Monroe took on Houston for senior night, and the Wildcats made the Jets work a little to earn the victory.
After dropping set one 25-16, the Jets responded with 25-16, 25-17, 25-23 and 25-11 wins to take the match 3-1.
In the opening set Houston played fundamentally sound, forcing FM to make plays, and the Jets were unable to finish, yielding a 25-16 loss in the opener.
In set two, the Jets came out with more intensity and it showed with strong hitting at the net as they finished plays on their way to a 25-17 win.
Set three turned into a barn burner with Houston hanging around and eventually taking a 23-22 lead.
Franklin Monroe dug deep with a never give up attitude. The next two points were earned … just when it looked like Houston was going to win the point, someone made a diving play or a save at the net to keep the ball alive, and the Jets rallied to come from behind to win 25-23.
FM then jumped all over the Wildcats in set four, 9-0, and never looked back with the 25-11 win and the match.
With the win Franklin Monroe tied the school record for the most wins in a season at 19-2 overall.
FM will have a chance to break the record in its final regular season and Cross County Conference matchup on Thursday at Bradford.
Stats leader for the Jets were Chloe Peters and Makenzie Kreitzer with 11 kills each and Corina Conley with 10. Belle Cable had 21 digs, Kreitzer added 12 and Kennedy Morris 10. Brigette Filbrun had 18 assist and Morris 15 in the win.
“We had to work really hard tonight,” FM coach Angie Filbrun said. “Give Houston credit, they put the ball in play and made us have to make plays. We didn’t start out very well in that first set, and I don’t even know how to explain it. But we came out though strong in the second set, won the third and fourth sets to get the win, and I’m proud of them for that.”
To win on senior night is always special, three seniors were recognized before the game: Makenzie Kreitzer, Josie Miller and Cassidy Spatz.
“Makenzie is a great all-around player,” Coach Filbrun said. “She can put the ball anywhere she wants and plays hard all the time and is a leader on and off the floor.
“Cassidy has really stepped up for us this year and done some big things for us. Her serve is incredible, and she has played a great front row for us this year.
“Josie has been hurt this year, and that’s unfortunate. We just haven’t had a chance to see her play this year, but we are so glad she is a part of this team.
“This win gave our team the school record for the most wins in a season so I’m happy for our team and our seniors. It’s something they will always remember,” Coach Filbrun concluded.
