FREDERICKTOWN — The Fredericktown and Centerburg volleyball programs have had some hard-fought battles over the years. Thursday at Fredericktown was no different.
The teams traded blows throughout the night before Fredericktown’s experience finally won out, as the Freddies posted a 25-20, 25-17, 11-25, 25-22 victory in Mid-Buckeye Conference play.
“I’m real pleased with the win,” said Fredericktown coach Marilyn Rutherford. “You can always count on a good game with Centerburg.”
Centerburg (1-2 overall, 0-2 MBC) came out fired up, scoring the first two points and taking an 11-9 lead at one point. The teams traded small runs until Fredericktown was able to put away the first game with a four-point run at the end.
The Freddies (3-0, 2-0) took control early in the second game, going on a 13-point run behind the serving of Devan Kennedy. Centerburg scored five straight to make it interesting, but the Freddies put the game away and looked like they were ready to send the Trojans packing for good.
But, the youthful Trojans weren’t ready to go home just yet. A six-point run helped them jump out to a lead, then they scored 14 of the final 15 points to grab a 25-11 victory in the third game.
“Our serves were a lot better and we just had more energy on the court,” said Centerburg coach Ami Stevens. “They (Fredericktown) made a couple of mistakes and we were able to capitalize on them.”
The Freddies got back to attacking the net in the fourth game, scoring the final four points, including three from Lyndsay Briegel, to take the game.
“They (Centerburg) were mixing it up. Centerburg did a nice job tonight,” Rutherford said. “Our passes needed to be up on the target. We have some hitters. When we get the ball to the hitters, we’re effective. But when we chase the ball, we’re mediocre. You saw some of that tonight.”
Despite the loss, Stevens saw some things out of her team that has two freshmen and two sophomores seeing a lot of playing time.
“I saw some things we struggled with at Loudonville that we did much better tonight,” said Stevens. “I’m always happy when we come back and compete. I’m not mad if we work hard and try our best.
“That’s one thing with these girls. You can never question their work ethic. They’re always trying.”
Rutherford was happy to see some all-around good play from both her starters and bench players.
“The players that came off the bench did a nice job. It’s nice to be able to look down the bench and see so many of them ready to go. I’m very happy with that and I’m very happy they stepped up for us,” she said.
Kennedy led the Freddies with 19 points, four digs and one kill. Danielle Goeppinger added nine points on 12-of-12 serving, 10 digs and 15 assists, while Kaitlyn Newkirk had 22 digs, 11 kills, seven points and three blocks. Courtney Briegel had 21 digs, eight kills and six blocks, Lyndsay Briegel had 11 kills, 11 digs and was 8 of 8 serving; and Adrienne Robbins had nine digs, five points and two kills.
Mackenzie Stoyle led the Trojans with 22 sets, 10 kills and five assists. Melody Maxwell added 30 sets and nine assists, while Tristen Simpson had nine kills, seven digs and three aces. Kayla Peck had 11 digs and six aces, Jess McCann had nine kills and Kayla Moreland had four aces.
The Trojans won the junior varsity game 25-19, 25-4.
Claire Harvey led the Trojans with 15 points, while Courtney Browning had 12 and Celeste Tucker 11.
Centerburg also won the freshman game, 25-21, 25-22.
Carrie Garber scored 13 points to lead the Trojans. Lindsey Daniels added 11 and Lindsay Mapis 10.
Fredericktown was led by Lydia Webster, who had eight points, and Courtney Jackson, who added six.
Both teams return to MBC action Tuesday. Fredericktown travels to Danville and Centerburg heads to Northridge.
