Titans take charge in final two sets, beat HCHS 3-1

 HARLAN (Sept. 19) -- For the first two sets on Tuesday night, Harlan Community battled the Lewis Central volleyball team to an even draw.
 Long, competitive rallies were common. One-sided scoring runs were scarce. The Cyclones nearly grabbed a two-set lead but settled for a split after finishing off the second set 25-21.
 HCHS had the momentum it needed, but the sixth-ranked (4A) Titans elevated their game to another level the rest of the way and won the match 25-22, 21-25, 25-14, 25-17, beating Harlan for the fourth time since the start of last season.
 Lewis Central, now 14-3 overall and 2-1 inside the Hawkeye Ten Conference, opened the third set with a critical 6-0 run and built a 14-7 lead in set four behind the stellar front row play of sophomore Megan Witte (20 kills) and seniors Maegan Holt (17 kills) and Katherine Poore (13).
 “I’m not trading those three,” said Lewis Central coach Mike Bond, who credited his team for playing “a lot more relaxed” in the final two sets. “I liked what I saw out of us tonight. We didn’t panic.
 “I thought it was a good match. Any time we walk into this gym, records are 0-0 for either school. I just think that (Harlan plays) so well at home and they get up for us. We get up for (them). I expect a dog fight every time.”

    Although the final outcome was disappointing, HCHS head coach Willie Baughman saw a lot to like, especially early, after his team lost two out of three matches at the Red Oak Tournament last Saturday. The Cyclones are now 8-6 overall and 2-3 in conference play as they have a week to prep for Tuesday’s match at Red Oak.
    The Cyclones’ high level of passing was evident by their 102 digs in just four sets. Senior libero Sidney Craig was all over the back row, putting up 34 digs (8.5 per set) and also posting a serve receive average of 2.75 (out of 3.00) on 32 attempts.

 
 

 

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