VOLLEYBALL

The HU volleyball team collected its second consecutive league win Friday night by handing Mount Vernon a 3-1 loss, 25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-23, in Platt Arena. Tonight’s W also bumps the Foresters (6-10, 3-5) up a spot into a three-way tie for sixth in the conference standings.

The loss leaves MVNU (8-10, 0-7) still searching for its first win in the Crossroads League. It also marks Mount Vernon’s second straight loss to Coach Shondell and crew.

The Foresters logged seven points right off the bat before their visitors got on the board. There was no looking back in that first set as HU never trailed for a quick advantage. The Cougars, known for their scrappy play, made sure things didn’t come quite so easy for the hosts the rest of the way but Huntington stayed focused to see it through.

“I was so impressed with how we started the first set,” said Shondell. “It speaks volumes to our maturity that we were able to not just get on top heavy early on, but that we maintained control.”

After tying her career-best Wednesday night against Bethel with 17 kills, Paige Eakright had an even more impressive outing against the Cougars.

The Fort Wayne native pounded down a match-high 23 kills at a clip of .319 to pace the Huntington offensively. She also posted six digs and went 20-for-21 behind the line which included serving eight straight to open the match.

“Paige always has this game in her,” said Shondell. “She did a great job of listening to teammates and finding shots all night long.”

The other power player was Tailor Schultheis who finished with 15 kills on 19 attempts. She also registered two solo blocks playing the middle spot for the Foresters.

“We’re asking a lot of Tailor,” noted Shondell. “To be able to switch positions mid-season and put up the numbers she did tonight is everything you want in a senior leader.”

Jenna Tacosik directed traffic by handing out 48 assists and kept the Cougars guessing as the 5-8 setter also recorded five kills which included a critical shot late in the fourth set.

Ariene Butler anchored a relentless Forester defense with a match-best 26 digs to go along with ten assists while Lanie McClanahan took charge at the net with three blocks, two solos, to pace HU in out-blocking their visitors 8-6.

“I thought our defense did a really nice job of staying disciplined against a team who tests discipline like nobody else,” said Shondell. “It was a great win for our team; one that reminds us that the work we are putting in is paying off.”

The Foresters are back in action tomorrow afternoon with a trip to #RV Marian for a 3:00 p.m. matchup with the Knights.