Tiger Cubs take down feisty Eagles in three sets

Delanie Stoltey serves in the final set against South Putnam on Thursday. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

The Putnam County champions got off to a slow start against visiting South Putnam on Thursday but the Greencastle volleyball team fought through it and picked up a straight-sets win 25-22, 25-19, 25-8.

The Tiger Cubs had a disappointing loss at Cascade on Wednesday that decided the West Central Conference championship and GHS coach Maggie Walters said the team was thinking more about that than the team in front of them.

"We didn't talk or have any energy," Walters said. "They underestimated the other team."

The Tigers Cubs hopped out to an early lead in the first game, but the resilient Eagles fought back, never letting a service go by without picking up a point or two against GHS.

South Putnam has struggled at times this year, but head coach Deanna Long said the team always gives itself a chance to win.

"With this team I always expect us to compete with whoever we're playing," she said. "They just work hard. They try to get to the ball. They hustle. So I always feel good coming in, whoever we're going to play."

GHS finally shook the pesky Eagles on a service from junior Olivia Divine. Divine finished the match with six points, two blocks and 10 kills.

South Putnam's fighting continued in set two when it again used consistent serving and solid defense to pull into a 15-11 lead. Seniors Katie McHugh and Aubrey Nichols combined to score seven-of-nine points during the stretch.

South Putnam senior Katie McHugh lifts a ball over her head -- and over the net -- during the match against Greencastle on Thursday as senior Aubrey Nichols looks on. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

McHugh led the Eagles with seven points and 10 assists against Greencastle. Nichols totaled nine digs and five points.

Greencastle's hitters, outside and in the middle, have been dominant throughout the season but the Eagles were resilient. Senior Carey Tanner and sophomore Katie Hewitt combined for three blocks in game two, six in the match, forcing GHS to change its strategy and work the ball across the court.

"(Carey) is great, she really is," Long said. "It just took her a little while to get their timing down. Katie Hewitt did an awesome job too. She's getting more confidence hitting, so that was good to see."

The well-practiced Tiger Cubs figured it out on time. Junior setter Taylor Stoltey adjusted on the fly and sent the ball across the court to find junior Jessica Lenihan and Quinci Miller in spots that were tough to defend.

Lenihan finished with eight kills and Miller tied for the team-lead with 10.

"I told them to figure it out," Walters said. "(Taylor) played well. ... She's been battling a knee injury, so that was good to see."

With its new plan -- and a little more aggression -- the Tiger Cubs closed out the second set with five straight points from Miller, then started the third 11 straight from Stoltey.

By the time that run was over and the Eagles trailed 12-0 in the elimination game, SPHS was all but eliminated.

"I really don't know what happened that third one," Long said. "I was just asking myself, 'What happened? Did you lose steam or what?'"

The Eagles' (6-14, 0-4 WCC) final chance to stay alive came with senior Emily Clark on the back line. She fended off elimination for two points before Divine iced the match with a kill from the left outside.

Greencastle has had a habit of playing inconsistently, Walters said, picking its game up for important matches but struggling at times when there is little on the line.

That was evident this week with back-to-back conference matches. The loss at Cascade on Wednesday ensured the Tiger Cubs (10-9, 4-1 WCC) were locked into second-place in the WCC.

"We play great when we play good teams and we play OK when we play not-so-good teams," Walters said. "more."

Greencastle will have a chance for revenge against Cascade on Saturday. The Tiger Cubs are playing in the Cadets Invitational and the two teams could meet in the finals if they both win out.

That event begins at 9 a.m.

The Eagles host Cascade in their next match, Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Junior Quinci Miller (center) sneaks a shot past senior Katie McHugh (8) and junior Emily Dobson. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

At Greencastle
South Putnam.........22 19 8
Greencastle............25 25 25