The Bradford High volleyball team bounced back from its first loss of the season Thursday, ousting Sheffield in three sets, 25-13, 25-21, 25-22.
Ironically, it was a win over Sheffield that started the Lady Owls 38-game regular season winning streak, which was snapped Tuesday by Elk County Catholic.
“I thought Sheffield played really, really well and put us into a lot of predicaments,” said Bradford coach Mike Leet.
It was also the first time in a while the Lady Owls have played at home, as the Bradford High gym was under renovations last season.
“It’s always nice to win at home,” Leet said. “It’s the first time in a while.”
Bradford was in control in the first set, cruising to a 25-13 win, as Marissa Yohe had three kills and Rachel Borland two.
In the second set, however, they had to battle a resilient Sheffield squad that, despite Bradford surging to a 22-12 lead in the second set, was able to close to within 24-21 before a kill from Jessica Buchheit to end the set.
“We need to focus on closing sets,” said Leet. “I know it’s frustrating to the girls, but we’ll figure it out.”
Bradford again jumped out to a big lead in the third set, 14-7, only to see Sheffield come storming back again.
Buchheit was in control on the outside, with three kills to help the Lady Owls build their lead and Rylee Lundgren added another.
Sheffield, however, responded with a 16-8 run, however, knotting the score at 22-22.
“We didn’t have a lot of quality attacks tonight, but we’ll get it,” Leet said.
Hailey Burgess had a quality effort at setter, finishing with 28 assists, along with a pair of aces, while had 10 kills, Yohe nine kills and two aces and Borland four kills and two blocks.
Bradford’s JV team also picked up their first win of the season, a three-set triumph.
“We won in three sets, and those things we didn’t do tonight doesn’t take away from that,” Leet said. “I think we have a good idea of where we need to closing sets and that starts in practice and we’re working hard there.”
Bradford returns to action Tuesday at Ridgway.
