Freeport Repeats in 2-A by Knocking Off Top-Seed Beaver

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, November 5, 2016 | 8:39 PM

The Freeport mindset heading into Saturday’s championship match was “refuse to lose”. The Yellowjackets had that mentality on display throughout the contest, as they staged an unbelievable comeback to claim the first set, and ultimately defeated Beaver Area 3-1 in the Class 2A Championship at Baldwin High School. Freeport, the No. 2 seed, defeated top-seeded Beaver 26-24, 18-25, 25-19, 25-20. As a result, Freeport claimed back-to-back titles for the first time in program history, and also notched its fourth title since 2010.

The opening set belonged to Beaver for the majority of the play, as the Bobcats held the lead almost the entire way. Beaver gained an eight-point edge on multiple occasions, including 20-12 and 24-16. Much like in the semifinals when Freeport faced match point against and rallied to win the set and later the match, the Yellowjackets turned in their finest performance when facing set point against. The Yellowjackets improbably notched 10 straight points to prevail.

Although that crushing setback could’ve easily discouraged Beaver, the Bobcats showed their resolve as they immediately took control of the second set. The Bobcats gained an early five-point lead, but Freeport again battled back, as the teams were tied or exchanged the lead in several instances. Beaver finally pulled away, though, after the Bobcats went ahead 14-13 and never relinquished their lead.

The third set was a reversal of fortune, though, as the Yellowjackets took the lead from the first point, and never looked back. The Yellowjackets claimed the set in wire-to-wire fashion, including holding a nine-point advantage at 20-11. While the Bobcats tried to mount a rally of their own, they came up short, and fell into a two sets to one deficit.

Needing to win to stay alive, Beaver came out strong in the fourth set, jumping out to a 10-5 edge. The Yellowjackets scored five straight to deadlock the set, though. The squads jockeyed back and forth, and again were tied at 20-20. Then, the Yellowjackets displayed their killer instinct, scoring the final five points to claim the set and the match.

Among the numerous standouts for Freeport were setter Maggie Ward, opposite hitter Maddie Christy, middle hitters Kristie Radvan and Katie Zingaro, outside hitter Hannah Mason and libero Claire Crytzer.

Meanwhile, the Bobcats received strong contributions from middle hitters Macy McElhaney and Alexa Mamone, defensive specialist Madison Cicconi, outside hitters Grace Oram and Mia Dodds, and libero Sydney Caruso.

Both teams advance to the PIAA 2A tournament, as do semifinalist Avonworth and Shenango. First-round play will commence next week.

Tags: Beaver, Freeport