Hometown Volleyball Match Recap – Freeport Yellowjackets – 10/02/2014

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, October 2, 2014 | 11:07 PM

The Freeport girls’ volleyball team remained perfect on the season, as the host Yellowjackets defeated section rival Knoch in straight sets on Thursday. Freeport, which improves to 8-0 in Class AA Section 4, captured the victory 25-9, 25-15, 25-14. With the setback, the Knock Knights fall to 7-2 in section play, with both losses coming at the hands of the Yellowjackets.

Freeport immediately jumped out to a lead in the opening set, as the Yellowjackets used a 9-0 run behind the serving of Maddie Christy to gain the advantage. The Yellowjackets would not relinquish control, as they cruised to the first-set win.

The second set started much differently, though, as the Knights gained the upper hand early, and boasted a 10-5 edge. Freeport showed resolve, though, as it then scored 14 of the next 15 points to take a commanding 19-11 lead. Christy’s work on the serve again proved critical to the comeback effort, as the Yellowjackets would hold on to take the second stanza.

Freeport took the decisive third set by dominating from start to finish. The Yellowjackets scored the first five points of the action, keeping the Knights off balance with skilled serving and nifty net play.

In addition to Christy’s big contributions on the service, senior hitter Jess Kelley played a key role in Freeport’s success. With the Knights focused on negating the play of all-state hitter Zoe Pawlak, Kelley had perhaps her finest performance of the season, as she contributed an array of blocks and kills in the triumph. Pawlak still had her moments, as well, and was particularly sharp with her jump serve.

Knoch, which returned only one starter from last year’s co-section championship squad, were led by senior Katie Bozzo. Alexis Graham also turned in a strong performance in the defeat, as did freshman libero Carly Bozzo.

Freeport, the defending Class AA WPIAL champion and top-ranked squad in the MSA Top 10, will look to remain unblemished in section play when the Yellowjackets face Obama Academy next Tuesday. The Knights will look to solidify their spot in second-place when the Knoch battles Valley, also on Tuesday.

Tags: Freeport, Knoch