DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
After mid-week victories over Bishops Dwenger and Luers, the Bellmont Braves faced much stiffer competition Saturday at Yorktown and came away with two promising victories to remind the Indiana volleyball community that the 3A north semi-state is theirs until someone take it from the Braves.
“It’s the first time since 2010 that we have beaten Yorktown,” noted Bellmont coach Craig Krull. “And we played well to accomplish this.”
The Braves fought back from a loss in the opening set at 25-23, taking the match with wins of 25-15, 25-20 and 25-19.
The Braves actually led in that opening set 19-16, but gave up straight six points and were unable to catch up.
“We stayed focused,” noted Krull, who was certainly satisfied with such a big win so early in the season. “Our defense stepped up to make some great plays and then we were able to turn defense into quick-striking offense to score points.”
Mary Kate Scheumann led the Braves with 22 kills, while Delaney Lawson had 14 and Jackie Sutter added 12.
Libero Sami Christen had 21 digs, but was aided by Hailey Cole’s 17 digs and 16 more by Scheumann.
“Hailey Cole did a great job of moving the ball around and finding the hot hitters,” said Krull of his setter, who finished with a whopping 50 assists.
Jackie Sutter had five solo blocks.
In the second match, the Braves again dropped the opening set (25-21) before taking three straight against the Orioles, 25-21, 25-18, 25-16.
The team had just 20 minutes between matches and was admittedly flat to open up round two.
“Avon played well and they made the plays to win the first set,” noted Krull, “but we regrouped and then came out with more fire. Our offense and defense played better and then each set we were able to make plays to get a lead, but Avon never let us get too far behind.”
Delaney Lawson and Scheumann split kill honors in the second match with 15 each, while Christen tallied 23 digs against the Orioles.
Bellmont put up good numbers at the net with a total of ten solo blocks.
“Each time we got pushed to maintain a lead,” coach Krull summed up, “we settled down and looked more and more comfortable and were able to finish each match.”
The Braves were limited to just nine total players Saturday, but the day showed just how good the team could be again this year.
“Those girls were challenged but they found that extra gear to play at a higher level than through the week,” said Krull. “Our schedule is not easy and this was an early season test that will be beneficial to us as we move along.”
The Braves are set to travel to Concordia Tuesday before hosting South Adams on Thursday. They will return to Yorktown next Saturday, as well, for a four-round tournament.
Look for full coverage of Bellmont volleyball on WZBD.com all week long, as well as radio broadcasts for Thursday’s intra-county matchup and Saturday’s later rounds.
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