NEW MADISON – Tri-Village’s volleyball team took down Newton in four sets, 3-1, Tuesday night.
The Patriots dug themselves into a big hole in the opening set, trailing 19-11 before they rallied.
Breanna Lipps got the Patriots closer when she served five straight points for the home team to make the score 22-20 Newton.
Alana Holsapple served out the last five points to help the Patriots overcome the slow start and take a dramatic and emotional first game, 26-24.
“I was worried tonight because we went five long hard sets with Preble Shawnee last night and thought we would come out slow, and we did … but they fought back,” Tri-Village coach Chris Brewer said. “We got down 19-11 in the first game, and I thought, well, this could be a long night, and to their credit they fought back and won that first set 26-24.”
The Patriots used the momentum of set one to propel them to a 25-15 win in set two. They did it with good passing, setting and hitting.
“I think we are playing with a more confident lineup right now. We had a long week last week and switched things around, and I think they are getting more confident in themselves due to this lineup playing more to their strengths,” Brewer said.
Just when it looked like it might be a short night the Indians rallied in set three, eventually winning it 25-18.
Tri-Village finished out a successful night with a 25-21 final set victory and the match 3-1.
“Tonight we improved,” Brewer said. “The girls were having fun and playing with confidence.
“There are things to work on. We have to stop digging ourselves in a hole and giving up long streaks of points to one server. It doesn’t really matter what the rotation is,” Brewer said.
“Our setters are young … but they are getting better every game. When we get those good passes to break serve we have to make good sets, take advantage of them and make good hits,” Brewer concluded.
The Patriots were led by Abbi Lipps with 71 successful sets, Kara Hollinger had 21 digs, Alana Holsapple added six kills and four aces, and Maddi Downing contributed six kills in the win.
Tri-Village improved to 5-8, 3-4 in Cross County Conference and will host Mississinawa Valley on Thursday.
