Hometown Girls Volleyball Recap – Avonworth Antelopes – 10/20/2015

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, October 20, 2015 | 10:24 AM

Avonworth (9-1, A-4) was heavily tested in a non-section matchup by Quaker Valley (7-3, AA-2), but came away with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 31-29) victory on Monday night at Avonworth High School. The Antelopes and Quakers, who have both already clinched a spot in next week’s WPIAL Playoffs, exchanged leads a number of times throughout the match, culminating in a ferocious third and final set.

The Antelopes jumped out to an early lead in the opening set, grabbing a 10-4 lead and forcing the Quakers into using their first timeout of the match. Quaker Valley would battle back to a one-point deficit behind strong play and two kills from Emily Truchan. But the Antelopes would never relinquish the lead and, thanks to three of Brie Knepper’s match-high five kills, would take first set 25-21.

Quaker Valley would answer with more of a fight in the second set, as Senior Outside Hitter Leah Vester would record three kills and Truchan would add three more. But Avonworth Senior Abby Oberdick would begin to heat up, recording five of her match-high ten kills in the frame. Complementing her in the middle was Sophomore Erin Williams, who added four of her eight kills in the set. After falling behind 17-9, Quaker Valley coach Mike Vavrek would take a timeout. The Quakers would then go on an 11-1 run, taking their first lead at 20-19 and forcing the Antelopes into a timeout. Avonworth would then outscore Quaker Valley 6-3 to win the second set, 25-23.

The third set would be a terrific, even matchup, as neither team would lead by more than three points at any point. Quaker Valley would reach set point six times in the frame, but were unable to get the winning point to extend the match. Lester would add four kills to her team-high eight, but Avonworth’s height eventually won out. Williams would record four more kills and Oberdick would spike three, including a down-the-line winner to end the final set at 31-29.

Avonworth, at 9-1 in Class A’s section 4, will next be in action Wednesday against Eden Christian at 7pm. The Antelopes are currently tied for first place in the section with Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. Quaker Valley will next face Central Valley on Tuesday at 7pm. The Quakers currently trail the Warriors by one game in Class AA’s Section 2. Both teams have already clinched berths in the 2015 WPIAL Volleyball Playoffs, where they will be searching for their first titles in school history.

Tags: Avonworth