Volleyball

Opening day of the volleyball season ended on a high note for Huntington as they stunned #16 Cornerstone University in the nightcap of the Forester Invitational. After dropping the first set 25-13, HU bounced back to win the next three, 25-19, 25-13, 25-22, for the 3-1 W over the Golden Eagles.

Earlier in the day, Huntington had a strong showing but was on the wrong end of a 3-1 decision to the University of Northwestern Ohio.

Huntington came out firing on all cylinders Friday morning against the Racers to win set one 25-21. Unfortunately, the Racers regrouped to cruise to a set two win, 25-17, before claiming the next two tights sets by a score of 26-24 each time for the 3-1 victory.

While HU outhit their visitors, 47-35, 34 attacking errors led to the Foresters’ demise. Breanna Metz took top hitting honors for the match with 16 kills and a .333 hitting percentage. Lindsay Ingenito and Brandy Michie added nine and eight kills respectively.

Jenna Tacosik dished out 29 assists to go along with four kills and three aces. Nicole Flickinger topped HU in digs with ten.

The match was the first of the season for both teams with UNOH notching a second win later in the day while Shondell’s crew picked up its first win by upending the Golden Eagles.

It was an impressive display after a sluggish first set that saw the hosts score just 13 points but they more than made up for it by winning the next three in rather convincing fashion. The Foresters trailed just once, only for a possession, in sets two and three before coming back from a 19-16 deficit in set four to stun one of the nation’s best.

Fifteen Foresters saw action, including four rookies, in the nightcap to lay claim to a total team effort.

Tailor Schultheis set the tone with 12 kills but it was her spirit that Shondell was most appreciative about tonight. “The fire Tailor brings with her play and energy, when she’s steady and consistent, is enough to pave the way for a lot of things to happen.”

A pair of freshman in Ingenito and Lanie McClanahan also made their presence known at the net by putting down eight and seven respectively while Michie collected six kills.

“To have freshmen step up in their second career match and play with absolutely no fear is incredible,” said Shondell.

The skipper was also pleased with his floor general. “At times, our offense was nearly perfect, and Taco was a huge part of that,” noted Shondell. The sophomore setter finished with 34 assists.

“I’ve never seen a Huntington team play as hard and as together as these guys did tonight. I couldn’t be happier for our girls. Too many times, I’ve seen our program come so close but come away empty handed.

“Tonight was different. Tonight they earned it.”

The Foresters (1-1) don’t have too much time to relish in their big win as tomorrow morning they are back at it to face Life Pacific at 10:00 a.m. before taking on Brescia at 4:00 p.m.