Oct 14, 2009 3 min read

HILLER – The modest crowd at Brownsville High School on Tuesday certainly got its money’s worth as the Lady Falcon volleyball team dug itself out of a several holes to edge Waynesburg Central, 3-2. Waynesburg Central (3-7, 9-11) won the first two sets 25-22 and 25-14 before Brownsville (5-4, 9-5) rallied to win 25-16, 26-24 and 15-10 to remain in contention for a playoff position in Section 7-AA.

Brownsville coach Rachel Bruschi said the difference in the first two sets and the last three sets was, “We had no heart or passion; nothing. The last three games, we got our passion back, and that’s what won for us.”

Despite playing without starter Caitlin Davin, Waynesburg took command of the first set after the sixth tie at 16-16. A pair of kills by Emily Bosworth helped the Lady Raiders run off four straight points with Taylor Johnson serving.

Brownsville rallied for two more ties at 21-21 and 22-22, fueled by three straight service points by Gina Perry, including an ace.

But a net error helped give momentum back to Waynesburg, and Bosworth served the final two points, including an ace to clinch the set.

The Lady Raiders dominated the second match, pulling from the fifth and final tie at 7-7 to outscore Brownsville 18-7 to win the set 25-14. Bosworth had three service aces and a kill down the stretch, while Michelle Fox and Lauren Fox combined for three kills, a block point, and a service ace. Jennifer Phillips served for six straight points late in the run.

Waynesburg surged to a 5-2 lead in the third set before the Lady Falcons rallied for four ties, the last at 10-10. An ace by Karmen Bruschi and Emily Konter’s kill fueled a five-point run and a 14-10 lead. Konter and Bruschi had late kills and Karly Peton served for four straight points to win the set 25-16.

The Lady Raiders had a 24-22 lead in the fourth set, but couldn’t put Brownsville away. Three straight finish points by Konter led a four-point rally that gave the Lady Falcons a 26-24 win.

Brownsville jumped ahead 4-0 in the deciding match, but had to withstand Waynesburg rallies for ties at 6-6, 7-7, and 8-8. Stephanie Crable’s service ace started a four-point run to a 12-8 lead for Brownsville. A pair of late kills by Konter included the match winner at 15-10.

Konter is one of the smallest players on the court, but Rachel Bruschi said, “her arms may be the size of my pen, but she has a desire to play with heart.” She said Karmen Bruschi “can be so good. She just needs to have more confidence” at times.

Waynesburg Central coach Kim Hyland was disappointed in the loss, but said, “We battled all year and have tried to overcome small numbers with only 14 players on the roster. We’ve pushed each other through injuries and I’m proud of them. They played with a lot of emotion and I can’t ask for more than that.”

Brownsville has a must win game Thursday at Washington in order to stay in the playoff race.