DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
BERNE – Undefeated entering Thursday night’s showdown at the Stardome, the South Adams Starfires knew that they would be in for a tough test against the Bellmont Braves, despite their opponents’ 2-3 record.
When the Braves led the first set 24-20 and South Adams came out of a time out, having already reeled off three straight points, with a set-tying ace by Reagan Beitler, everyone in the gym knew it was going to be a barn-burner.
Alyssa Gumbel stepped up, smashing a kill for 25-24 into the SA blockers and then doing some blocking of her own to give the Braves an early 1-0 lead. The junior finished with 11 kills.
The Starfires did not fold to Bellmont, however, and they build a five or six-point lead midway through the second set and never took their foot off the gas pedal, stealing a set from the Braves at 25-19.
After that, it was all MaryKate Scheumann.
Taking a remarkable 51 swings in the game, Scheumann finished with a game-high 26 kills, complementing her 18 digs.
The Braves took set three 25-15 and then wrapped up business in the fourth at 25-18.
Beitler and Reagan Bollenbacher (shown below) had the Starfire lead for kills with nine apiece. They each found success with the serve, contributing three aces apiece.
Gracie Riggs’ role on the BHS varsity team continued to grow as she played three sets and led the team in setting assists with 21.
At one point in the fourth set, Gumbel and Scheumann began setting to each other (see gallery below) with the Braves in a comfortable position and head coach Craig Krull still trying to find the answer for what makes the team’s best lineup.
Gumbel finished with eight assists and MK had five.
Libero Katie Mills led the Braves with 22 digs, while Bollenbacher had 14 for SA.
Bellmont won the JV match 26-24, 25-20.
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