LEBANON — The Lady Pioneers swept Richlands 3-0 (25-23, 25-9, 25-15) on Tuesday evening inside Charles C. Long Gymnasium. With the win, Lebanon trails only Marion in the Southwest District volleyball standings.
Junior middle-hitter Gracie Crabtree likely played her best game of the season. Crabtree was on point, all over the court for the Pioneers.
“I think this team is getting the hang of it,” Crabtree said. “[Setter] Averi [Russell] and I connected well tonight. We talked a lot, and I think that helps get me pumped, so I had a good match.”
Set one was the most competitive. Richlands went up 13-10 on some strong serves by sophomore Emma Absher. Lebanon fought back to tie it for a fifth time at 22-all on a slam by Crabtree. The Pioneers took three of the final four points, two on kills by Crabtree to win the set.
“Personally, I felt we should have been ahead,” stated Crabtree. “I realized I had to lead and put the team on my back. But the team helped me too, they encouraged me, and that’s what helps.”
In the second set, leading 4-2, Crabtree had a block to bring Russell to the service line. Russell served nine straight points with the play of Crabtree, Braylee Tincher, and Jaiden Fields on the frontline, and they sailed to the win.
It was Crabtree on the line in set three when Lebanon took a 9-3 advantage. The Blue Tornado was able to pull within one, 11-10, before the Pioneers pulled away for the sweep.
Crabtree finished with nine service points with four aces. Russell (13 service points, two aces) and Bailey Collins (12 service points) also served well.
“I felt a little pressure, but then I realized I don’t have to serve hard,” Crabtree said. “I just let it go, then I got to serving a little too hard and had to reign it in. After that, I just let loose, I don’t need to worry about it, just serve it.”
Crabtree (18 kills), Tincher (six kills), Fields (five kills), and Collins (four kills) contributed big time at the net. Russell ran the offense with 31 assists. Rileigh Buchanan (14 digs) and Collins (12 digs) led the defense for Lebanon (8-10, 4-2 SWD).
“We got off to a slow start, but the girls picked it up in the second set and played well, and we finished the match strong,” remarked Lebanon coach Dennis Price. “Crabtree and all the girls did an excellent job upfront. We got some good passes and finished.
“The girls have done much better at staying focused and finishing. We try not to beat ourselves. It’s a slow process, but we’re getting better.”
With three kills, four aces, and 18 digs, Hannah Ward paced Richlands (3-6, 1-3 SWD). Katie Beth Cordle added two kills. Libero Raegan Ryder contributed 18 digs in the loss.
With only four SWD games remaining, the Pioneers want to maintain they will be the favorite in each contest.
“I feel pretty good about where we’re at,” commented Crabtree. “We have to play hard, we can’t let up any, and we have to stay on the gas. Keep going with a positive attitude and keep winning.”