Photo by Keith Stewart
OV’s Amy Orris prepares to receive a volley as libero Shelby Dash provides support.

Chances of making it three wins in a row dashed

by Emily Scott
Bethany Reporter

The Okaw Valley Timberwolves volleyball team lost in a conference matchup on Tuesday to the Bement Bulldogs in a 25-19; 17-25; 21-25 match.

The Lady T-Wolves started out ahead in the first game by executing their plays well despite a few rotation and miscommunication errors. After an OV timeout, Bement began to gain momentum and the two teams battled back and forth. But OV made some more strong plays to cause Bement to trail as they made their way to a win, taking the game 25-19.

In the second game OV came out hoping to continue their lead, but Bement saw some key opportunities in striking back for a win.

Bement junior Elaina Wittmer’s serving helped to put OV away, who seemed to get too comfortable with a win already under their belt. With Bement securing their lead, OV made some more errors to allow Bement to slide into a win at 25-17.

OV started out strong in the third game with a new energy, racking up points early in the game. Bement fought back with sophomores Maddie Mann and Abby Trott leading the Lady Bulldogs along as they scored timely points. OV soon fell apart after making consecutive mistakes, and Bement came out with a win, 25-21, to win the match.

“I really think Elaina Wittmer’s serving was what brought us back to life in the second game,” said Bement’s head coach Carissa Benner. “Besides that, we really wanted to win this game.”

Photo by Keith Stewart
OV’s Megan Dash attempts the kill shot Tuesday evening aginst Bement’s Tyler Wegrich. Despite Dash’s 12 kills and 15 blocks, OV went on to fall in three sets.

Benner said she was impressed with sophomores Maddie Mann and Abby Trott in their gameplay in the second and third games. “Trott is always all over the place on the court,” Benner said.

“I think a main contributing factor for us winning tonight was that we got pumped,” said Trott. “The spirit from the team really helped us.”

Benner said she is glad to get this win as it will help give her team a boost in the conference record and conference seating. The Lady Bulldogs are now 2-2 in the LOVC and 3-5 overall.

OV head coach Jody McCormick said overall she was disappointed in her team and how they performed.

“We had it and we blew it, and there are no excuses,” McCormick said. “It’s frustrating to have a 10-point lead and give it away.”

McCormick said the main struggle her team has is more mental than physical.

“Mental mistakes still plague Okaw Valley volleyball,” she said. “We’re going to continue to work on that side of the game.”

OV senior Mollee Decesaro agreed that the loss dealt more with mental aspects.

“We let them get in our heads, and we couldn’t get back,” said Decesaro. “We need to improve on communication and staying positive.”

The Lady Timberwolves will have the next five days off before traveling to play Decatur Lutheran on Monday, followed by Martinsville at home Tuesday, both of which are conference matches.

“We have a lot to work on,” said McCormick. “We need better outside hitting. We can’t always rely on other things, so we need to improve that outside hitting.”

The Lady T-Wolves are now 1-2 in the LOVC and 3-8 overall.

Stats:

Okaw Valley: S. Dash: 1 kill, 7 digs; M. Decesaro: 2 aces, 1 kill, 17 assists, 3 digs, 2 blocks; A. Vander Burgh: 3 kills; A. Orris: 1 kill, 2 digs; M. Dash: 1 ace, 12 kills, 15 blocks; C. Ohm: 1 assist, 6 digs; B. Monroe: 1 ace, 3 kills, 1 block; A. Monroe: 2 assists, 1 dig; S. Birch: 2 digs.