Brownsville defeats Waynesburg
BROWNSVILLE — Brownsville used a strong service game that included 20 aces to defeat Section 7-AA opponent Waynesburg in straight games, 25-11, 25-9, 25-16 on Tuesday. “We haven’t been serving well lately, so it was good to come out and show that we can be successful,” said Brownsville head coach Rachael Bruschi.
Karmen Bruschi served with a 4-2 advantage in the first game and recorded seven of her match-high 21 service points to help Brownsville jump out to an early lead.
Falcons’ setter Emily Konter found Asya Settles for three kills early in Game 1, while Bruschi recorded two kills of her own late as the Falcons cruised to an easy win.
Brownsville once again dominated from the service line in Game 2, as Bruschi rattled off 11 service points, including four of her match-high eight aces to give the Falcons a 12-1 lead.
Defense preserved Brownsville’s lead, and Chevelle Stoken finished game two with seven service points as the Falcons once again prevailed.
“Our team is very young and inexperienced, and I think our inexperience gets the most of us mentally at times,” said Waynesburg head coach Kim Hyland of her squad’s difficulties returning serves on Tuesday.
The Raiders rallied and played with more confidence in Game 3. Junior middle hitter Lauren Fox found two of her team-high four kills early, as Waynesburg played the Falcons to an 8-8 tie.
Jennifer Headley and Keeya Meening recorded aces for Waynesburg, but Konter set up Frankie Legros and Bruschi for two kills apiece, and the Falcons continued to thrive at the service line.
Fox served up an ace to close the gap at 18-14 for Waynesburg, but it was too little too late as Karly Peton picked up five late service points on the way to Brownsville’s closest win of the evening.
“Each game we point out things we are doing correctly, and also the things we need to work on,” said Hyland. “It has been a tough journey.”
Amanda Lawrence paced the Raiders with six assists and Keeya Meening gave Waynesburg three aces.
Konter finished with match-high 15 assists, and although she showed an ability to spread it around, the chemistry with Bruschi was visible.
“They have a good chemistry on and off the court,” said Rachael Bruschi of her setter and her sister. “They work on moving the ball and they trust one another.”
That chemistry will need to continue to grow as the Falcons look to come out on top in the highly contested Section 7-AA.