CAMDEN — The Preble Shawnee volleyball team picked up an important league victory over Madison on Tuesday, Sept 1, when they defeated the Mohawks.
The Arrows dropped the first set 19-25, before winning the next three sets by scores of 25-21, 25-15, 25-22.
The result comes after what head coach Kristy Cottingim described as a “hit to our confidence” loss against Eaton the week prior, and marks a solid league victory for a young team looking for confidence.
Elise Walker and Madison Elkins led the team in kills during the match, with Savannah Lynch leading in assists.
Brianna Wells led the team in serve receptions and digs while Kylie Mikesell had a strong night serving the ball.
The team then traveled to take on Milton Union on Thursday in what was described as a “very hot gym” by Cottingim, and was unable to win after winning the first set 25-23.
Cottingim said the team’s inexperience began to show in the second set as they lost 24-26 and again the team’s confidence seemed to wane. “We let the loss in the second affect our confidence and lost the third set,” she said. “I was very happy to see us come back in the fourth set and put up a fight. We ended up losing 23-25, but it showed the girls can push through a loss.”
One thing Cottingim was happy to see was a balanced attack, as Walker, Elkins, Madison Plaugher and Kassy Wilson all had six to eight kills apiece. Walker led the team in digs and Lynch again led in assists.
On Saturday, Sept 5, the team lost to a non-conference opponent in Arcanum.
The Arrows had a good start, taking the lead early in the first set before several errors allowed Arcanum to take the lead and control of the match. Arcanum went on to win the match in straight sets.
Cottingim pointed out she felt freshmen Chloe Smith and Kaylie Campbell played well and seem to be gaining confidence as varsity players.
Cottingim said the Arrows will be a different team once they gain experience.
“I still feel the same about the team as I did preseason,” she said. “We have a lot of potential. Each of the girls has made some spectacular plays that show their ability. We just need to keep practicing, playing and gaining experience. We will be a different team by the end of the season.”
The Arrows are now 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the league.
They host Carlisle on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and travel to Dixie on Thursday, Sept. 10.
