Lady Commodores down Lady Trojans, 3-1
Jonathan Guth | Herald-Standard
Frazier’s Logan Hartman sets the ball for one of her teammates during Thursday’s Section 2-A match against California at Henry DiVirgilio Field House.
California's Anna Gillespie put some force behind a return during Thursday's Section 2-A match against Frazier at Henry DiVirgilio Field House.
Frazier's Skye Eicher serves during Thursday's Section 2-A match against California at Henry DiVirgilio Field House.
California's Hanna Engle bumps the ball to set up a point for the Lady Trojans' in Thursday's Section 2-A match at Henry DiVirgilio Field House.
Frazier's Kathryn Barch bumps the ball to one of her teammates during Thursday's Section 2-A match against California at Henry DiVirgilio Field House.
PERRYOPOLIS — Frazier did all it could to sweep California in Thursday’s Section 2-A match at Henry DiVirgilio Field House, but the Lady Trojans forced a fourth set following a dramatic 25-23 win in the third.
The Lady Commodores (9-1, 9-2) did come back in the fourth to win their ninth straight section match, 3-1, and held onto first place in the section standings. Frazier lost its first section match this season to Carmichaels, 3-2, on Sept. 5.
“I think that loss to Carmichaels was the best thing that could have ever happened to my team,” Frazier coach Mandy Hartman said. “I almost want to send them a thank-you card because the kids have come into the gym every single day and worked so hard. They haven’t taken a day off. They are very driven.
“We still do have a lot of work to do, and this section is still so good. I have been telling the girls there is still a long road ahead. We have to respect every one of our opponents and come to play every single night.”
California (7-3, 8-3) falls into a third-place tie with Carmichaels (7-3). Geibel Catholic is in second place at 8-2.
The Lady Commodores won the first set, 25-17, and second, 25-16, before the hanging in the third.
California jumped out to a 7-0 lead, and Hartman used her first timeout with the visitors holding a 13-5 advantage.
The Lady Trojans held an 18-10 lead before Frazier rallied for eight straight points to tie the set. The Lady Commodores would take a 21-20 lead, but California was able to close it out.
“Frazier’s a tough team, there’s no doubt,” California coach Rene Pascoe said. “You can’t give them any slack. You’ve got to capitalize when you can. I think they came out and played smart. When we got down, they just couldn’t pick themselves back up. You can’t get down on Frazier. We just have to come out on Tuesday and be ready for Geibel.”
Frazier didn’t let the loss in the third affect its psyche, as the Lady Commodores picked up a 25-15 triumph in the fourth.
“We were down, 10-1, in the third set, and then we made a great comeback, which I was thrilled about because they didn’t quit,” Hartman said. “I think they carried that play into the fourth set, which helped us get the nice jump early.”
Skye Eicher led Frazier in kills (24) and service points (17). Teammate Logan Hartman had 17 assists. The Lady Commodores’ Alexis Lovis had 14 assists.
Kathryn Barch had 43 digs for the home team and Sierra Twigg added six kills.
Anna Gillespie led the Lady Trojans in kills (15) and had 10 digs. Teammate Ina Helmick had 23 assists and six digs. California’s Addie O’Savage had five kills and six digs. Hanna Engle had 10 digs for the visitors. Teammates Mya Fetty (3 service points) and Lauren Watkins (5 digs) rounded out the stats.