The Mansfield Senior Tygers dominated their home court Monday evening in their volleyball match against the Mansfield Christian Flames.
During the first set, the Lady Flames sizzled, maintaining a 2-3 point margin over the Tygers for the first part of the match. However, the Tygers intensified their play and managed a 12-12 tie, ultimately pulling ahead and gaining a 25-21 victory.
The ladies in orange and white pushed further ahead in the second set, doubling the Flames score at 20-10, and finally winning at 25-14.
The Flames, realizing this was their last chance to stay alive, mustered up some determination in the third set, and began strong at two point advantage. The Tygers quickly gained momentum, again doubling the Flames’ score at 20-10. The Flames would make a 3 point burst at the game point, but to no avail. The final score would tally 25-15.
Leading the Mansfield Senior team was setter/hitter Elexius Harris, who picked up 8 digs, 12 attacks, 11 kills, and 5 blocks. Hitter Janae Harris had a total of 13 serves, 2 aces, 11 kills, 4 attacks, and 7 blocks. And Naya Pender contributed 10 serves and 32 assists.
Top Mansfield Christian hitters were Kristin Kurtz and Kilee Stoner, who combined for 9 kills. Kurtz also had 2 aces and 7 digs and Stoner supplied 1 block and 1 ace. Miranda Young matched Kurtz’s 7 digs, and Lauren Banks made 14 assists.
Mansfield Christian head coach Barb McLeary commented about her team, “Defensively we’re weaker and we’re a young team. We’re learning a lot of things about the court.”
She added, “Although I felt like we competed. The first game we started out ahead, but we’re really trying to stress defense and it’ll just come with playing and maturity.”
The Flames (1-8) play again Tuesday in a match against Loudonville at Mansfield Christian.
Mansfield Senior coach Catina Mitchell, stated about her team, “I think the girls hit really well.” She went on to commend Elexius Harris, Janae Harris, and Jeryn Reese; “They’re awesome,” she said.
The Lady Tygers have the season record of 2-6, which Mitchell said “Doesn’t reflect how well the girls can do, but they really work hard, and they really play well. They just haven’t been able to push through.”
The Tygers will also play Tuesday against Ashland at Mansfield Senior.
