Brian Hagberg
RUSSELL, Pa. – After dropping the first set in extra points, Eisenhower rallied to win three straight in a 3-1 win over visiting Youngsville on Tuesday.
The Eagles won the first set, 26-24, then the Knights took control of the match to take the next three sets, all by the same 25-14 score. The win gave Eisenhower a season sweep over its cross-county rival.
Rewatch the match:
“It was honestly just lack of communication, then when we got it back, it was much better,” Eisenhower’s Mikenzie Miller, who was named the Allegheny Grille Player of the Game, said.
See Miller’s full postgame interview here:
Youngsville took control early, jumping out to a 7-1 lead to start the first set. Eisenhower battled back and got to within one at several points throughout the set, but the Eagles were able to hold off the Knights. Eisenhower tied the set at 23-23 and took its first lead since getting the first point of the match at 24-23.
The Eagles responded by winning the next three points to take the set, 26-24.
Eisenhower raced out to a 6-1 lead to start the second set. Youngsville climbed back to get within three at 15-12, but the Knights closed the set with a 10-2 run to get the 25-14 win.
“The Lady Knights turned it around after the first set with passing and defense,” Eisenhower coach Patti Mead said.
Following a back-and-forth start to the third set, Youngsville held an 11-9 advantage. Eisenhower again went on a lengthy run, starting with five straight points, to take control of the set. The Knights outscored the Eagles 16-3 to end the set with a 25-14 win.
Eisenhower scored the first nine points in the fourth set and never looked back en route to its third straight 25-14 win to secure the match victory.
Miller led the Knights’ attack with six kills. Sammy Briggs added four kills. Caroline Smyth and Carly Christianson each had three blocks.
Lexi Pascuzzi had 10 assists, and Christianson had eight assists. Pascuzzi (3), Rayna Hultman (6), and Layla Edwards (2) combined to serve 11 aces.
Mandie Irvine led Youngsville with six kills. and four digs. Dilyn Moore had three kills and seven digs.
Eisenhower won the junior varsity match 25-13, 25-8.
