ERIE — Both of Marmaton Valley High’s matches went to three sets Thursday.
The Wildcats stayed strong down the stretch in the opener, defeating Cherryvale in the decisive third set, but could not do the same against host Erie, falling short in the finale.
The split comes down the home stretch of the 2020 season for the Wildcats, who wrap up regular season action Monday at Crest.
The Wildcats responded favorably in the opener, after dropping the first set to Cherryvale, 25-20. The Wildcats bounced back to win set two, 25-16, and the third set, 25-21.
Janae Granere had 10 points, seven kills and two blocks. Aly Ard had six points, nine kills and two blocks, while Tayven Sutton and Raveyn Kegler each had six points. Kegler had 24 assists, while Sutton notched a pair of blocks. Kayla Ard had four kills and two blocks.
Marmaton Valley and Erie split their first two sets, with the Red Devils prevailing, 25-21, in the first; Marmaton Valley came out on top, 25-22, in the second.
“We got down on ourselves in the third set with Erie,” Wildcat head coach Tara Kegler said. “That, ultimately, was the game-changer.”
Aly Ard had nine kills and a block in defeat, followed by Raveyn Kegler’s six points and 14 assists. Janae Granere had six points and four kills. Aly Ard had nine kills and a block. Kayla Ard had five points and a whopping five blocks. Sutton had five points and a block.
“The girls played hard and competed,” Coach Kegler said. “Overall, we played well and worked together as a team.”
