DANVILLE — East Knox continued their winning ways Tuesday, beating rival Danville 25-21, 25-10, 25-23 with aggressive play and solid teamwork.
“We’re rivals, so you know they’re going to play hard,” East Knox coach Brooke Doup said.
The Bulldogs (9-4, 4-3) did play hard throughout, seizing the lead for good in the first game after an early Blue Devil rally.
Down 8-5, the front court led by Lindsey VanHoose and Lindsey Rager took over. They dominated up front, totalling seven kills and six blocks between them. VanHoose led all players with 23 assists.
“We knew what we were up against. I tried to get the team ready for it,” Danville coach Brad VanHoose said. Coach VanHoose is Lindsey’s father.
“She’s really seeing the ball more,” Doup said of Rager. “She really stepped it up.”
East Knox continued to dominate through the second game and midway through the third when, down 16-9, Danville came alive.
“I told them, don’t let this one get away,” Coach VanHoose said. “We have a tendency to get down and out when we fall behind. I didn’t want to let that happen.”
The Blue Devils did take the lead and hold on until late, when East Knox scored the final three points to earn the victory.
Tricia Kupiec ended the night with a team-high 16 points. Allison Henthorn, the vocal leader, led both sides with 31 digs.
East Knox travels to Utica on Thursday to begin the second half of their schedule. Danville hosts Johnstown.
