Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BOURBON - Argos gained a little respect Thursday night from the No. 8 Class A volleyball team, the Triton Trojans.
The Dragons fought, clawed, battled, and scratched their way to respectability against Triton. But in the end, the Trojans continued on their winning ways with a 15-10, 15-13 victory.
"Argos played excellent defense," Triton volleyball coach Gayle Perry said. "They are really scrappy. They came in here and they just were not going to let the ball hit the floor. That kind of frustrated us."
The first game was a marathon with 41 side-outs. The Trojans quickly jumped ahead 4-0 and seemed to be the dominant team in the matchup, but Argos wouldn't go away. They chipped away at the lead and led Triton 9-7 before the Trojans reasserted themselves and went on for the 15-10 win. Jamey Bell had seven kills in the game and Kendra Blackford had 13 assists.
In the second game, the momentum swayed from team-to-team throughout. Triton went ahead 2-0, but Argos fought back with eight of the next nine points for an 8-3 advantage.
Triton then scored the next nine points for a 12-8 lead, before Argos fought back with five straight points for a 13-12 advantage. Finally, the Trojans grabbed the momentum one last time for the final three points.
"I think we looked by them a little," Perry said. "We didn't think they were this good, and you have to respect your opponent. But we did get a win."
Bell ended the match with 13 kills and nine blocks, while Missy Nifong had seven more kills. Kendra Blackford added 20 assists.
Triton (14-6) will compete in the Blue River Tournament Saturday and will meet numerous ranked teams throughout the state. This tournament will give Perry a chance to see just how good this team is, although she has an idea about that already.
"I had a wonderful group last year and I love those kids to death," she said. "But I really do believe that some parts of our game are better than last year. By the end of the season, with the competition we're going to see here in the next few weeks, I think we'll be a better team."
In junior varsity action, Triton beat Argos 15-2, 15-11. Ashley Boardman and Betsy Salyer each had four kills. The Trojans are 7-3 on the season.
TRITON OVER ARGOS 15-10, 15-13
Triton stats - Jamey Bell 13 kills, 9 blocks; Missy Nifong 7 kills; Kendra Blackford 20 assists; Jessica Walker 2 aces; Mary Claxon 5 digs; Brandi Ganshorn 8 digs
Record - Triton 14-6
Next match - Triton at Blue River Tournament Saturday
JV: TRITON OVER ARGOS 15-2, 15-11
Triton stats - Ashley Boardman 4 kills, 6-of-6 passing; Betsy Salyer 4 kills; Beth Workman 6 assists, 7-of-7 serving; Jenny Berger 7-of-8 serving; Katie Patrick 5-of-5 passing
Record - Triton 7-3
Next match - Triton at Wapahani Saturday
