CENTERBURG — A big run early set the tone as Centerburg knocked off visiting Fredericktown in a Mid-Buckeye Conference volleyball match Thursday.
The Trojans scored seven straight points to turn an 8-5 lead into an easy victory in the first game. Centerburg went on to win the match, 25-16, 25-21, 25-22.
Both squads are fielding young teams as Fredericktown lost seven seniors from a year ago and Centerburg has three sophomores seeing significant playing time. The young Trojan squad was able to overcome their inexperience Thursday with a strong game at the net.
“They’ve definitely improved from their freshman year to their sophomore. They’ve spent a lot of time in volleyball and it’s neat to watch their growth and development,” said Centerburg coach Ami Stevens. “As a team, though, we need to polish up on a few things, all around.”
The Trojans got some strong play at the net from Tristen Simpson (10 kills), Stacy Fielding (nine kills) and Mikaela Weldy (eight kills). One of the trio seemed to come up with the big play when needed, closing the door on any Freddie rally attempt.
Fredericktown (1-2) started the second game a little better, but another couple of runs helped the Trojans get back on top.
“Volleyball is a game of errors where the team that makes the least usually wins,” Fredericktown coach Marilyn Rutherford said. “We’re still making some what I call lack of varsity experience errors. It’s stuff we can correct, though. Like lining up our blocks and doing away with so many service errors.”
Fredericktown got things going better in the third game, leading 8-5 at one point. But, a six-point run put Centerburg back in the lead and the Freddies were never able to recover.
“One thing as a team we did tonight, which I hope we get over, is dig ourselves a hole. We just shot ourselves in the foot. That’s inexperience,” said Rutherford.
“Hopefully, though, they see what I see. We’re growing as a team. Our technical part of the game is truly impressive. We have athletic ability, too. We’ve got the talent.”
