Cougars' ball-placement leads to win over Patriots

North Putnam sophomore Raegan Bowling prepares for a set during a match earlier this year. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

ROACHDALE -- The North Putnam volleyball team welcomed the Bethesda Christian Patriots to its home floor and sent them home with a 2-1loss, 21-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-14.

The Cougars showed great poise coming back after a 25-21 loss in set one to take the next three sets and eventually the game.

North Putnam proved its smarts and knowledge of the game by hitting the ball where there were huge gaps in the Bethesda defense and hit serves that were making the Patriots scramble.

"We played much better in the second, third and fourth set," North Putnam coach Brandy Dickson said. "In the first set I'm not really sure where we were."

After the rough opening game the Cougars showed up to play and impressed with great serving and key ball placement.

"I was really proud of our serving. We have a lot of servers that do a good job," Dickson said.

In set two the Cougars never trailed and got off to a fast start, stretching their lead to 12-7 halfway in. North Putnam went on an 8-3 run and extend the lead to 20-10 before winning 25-13.

Set three was a bit more of a test. The Patriots got off to a 10-4 lead and were totally in control until the Cougar serving kicked in and tied the game at 11-all. The Cougars scored the next point and did not relinquish the lead, winning the set to take a 2-1 advantage.

Set four was more of the same. The hitters started to impress and the servers continued rolling, too. The set was never close and the Cougars won 25-14 and took the game.

The Cougars were led in kills (14) and blocks (10) by sophomore Taylor Nauert. Senior Bethany Wiatt led the team in digs (11) and senior Madi Asbell led in aces (5).

The back line for the Cougars was especialy good with Wiatt and sophomore Raegan Bowling getting to almost every ball.

Althoug there weren't many opportunities for digs since the Patriots had to loft the ball up over the Cougar blockers, the defenders for North Putnam were aggressive and accurate when needed.

One of the team's biggest asset Friday was its ability to get contributions from everyone, Dickson said.

"I thought we spread the attack out really well," she said. "(Junior) Kayla Clodfelter played good, she made smart decisions. Taylor Nauert played well."

North Putnam will try to continue their success on Thursday when it hosts Cloverdale at 7:30 p.m.

At North Putnam
Bethesda Christian...........25 13 19 14
North Putnam..................21 25 25 25