Lady Tigers Spike NLC Foe NorthridgeHome, sweet home.
The Warsaw volleyball team played at home after 13 matches on the road, and breezed by Northridge 3-0 Tuesday in a Northern Lakes Conference match.
“We only get five games (at home),” said Warsaw coach Rick Ashmore. “We gotta make the most of them.”
Warsaw (12-2, 3-0 NLC) won 25-16, 25-16, 25-15.
The Lady Tigers’ excitement over their first match in the Tiger Den led to early errors that allowed Northridge (3-10, 0-1 NLC) to stay close in Games 1 and 2.
“Being that we’re a third of the way through the season and we’re finally playing a home game, (the) kids were extra pumped,” Ashmore said. “Actually, they were probably too pumped, not relaxing.”
Each time, Warsaw pulled away mid-game. The score was 13-11 in Game 1 before the Lady Tigers went on a 12-5 run for the 1-0 match lead.
Game 2 was more of the same. The Lady Tigers turned a 13-12 lead into a nine-point win and 2-0 match lead on the strength of Betty Barnett’s crushing kills and Kacy Bragg’s stellar serves.
“(Barnett) always brings the energy,” Ashmore said. “Today she was on a little bit more, and Kacy recognized it and went to her.”
Northridge coach Jodie Steele noted that the Lady Raiders struggled to keep up with Warsaw’s offensive attack.
“(Bragg is) so dynamic,” Steele said. “It’s like we were jumping with her when she was in the back row, so just a little undisciplined there. She sees our middle go one way, she’ll go the other way.”
Bragg’s dynamic performance manifested into 30 assists and 10 digs, while Barnett tallied 12 kills.
The Lady Tigers settled down in the third game to breeze to the match victory.
“We just have to put a ball away,” Steele said. “Our defense, we’re passing well against (them). They’re a really good serving team. It’s just putting balls away.”
Warsaw’s next match is Monday at 7:15 p.m. at home against Penn.
