South Putnam volleyball takes loss at home against Eels

Friday, August 22, 2014
Jenna Carmichael of South Putnam attempts to tap the ball over the net.(Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

On Thursday night, the Clay City volleyball team traveled to South Putnam for its second volleyball game of the year. The Eagles, who were coming off of a Tuesday night loss to West Vigo, hoped to tip the scale against the Eels but couldn't get a groove going and took the loss, three games to none.

"I think they played well," said Clay City coach Garicke Rubin. "We've worked, in practice, on getting all the girls to play together. It showed tonight."

The Eels played well early and the Eagles were right with them as the first game went to 5-5 in the early minutes. But communication broke down at times for the Eagles, allowing Clay City to jump to a 21-10 advantage.

Blaze Bottorf of South Putnam returns in the Clay City loss. (Banner Graphic/ JAY LOCKETT)

"Talking. We didn't communicate well," said Eagle coach. Kristin Hendrich when asked what went awry in the loss. "So in practice, we do specific drills where, they don't get hits if they don't call it. We hope that will translate to games."

Clay City took the first game 25-16 and it was close, 3-2 Eels, to start the second.

"I think we are really positive," said Hendrich. "They work really well with each other. I'm excited for what the future holds for this team."

South Putnam's Mackenzi Myers makes a move toward the net against Clay City. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

After an Eels advantage in a 17-12 battle, Clay City was able to go on a run and take the second game 25-14.

"We put pressure on them in the serve-receive," said Rubin. "I think Kyndall Boyll played her best in the past two years."

As the third game started, the Eagles flexed their muscles and kept their spirits up during the 15-11 Clay City battle.

"I think it's our tenacity," said Rubin when asked about the team's strengths. "They are very athletic. They chase every thing down. They play with a lot of energy. It's just trying to maintain that energy."

The energy was flowing in the match as the Eels were able to keep the intensity up and put away the Eagles 25-12 after a 10-1 run.

Hendrich, after the match, said it was the team's vision off the net that led to the biggest challenges during the match.

"It's our transition off the net," Hendrich said. "They had a hard time anticipating where a hit or set is going to go."

Clay City's next game is at North Decatur in the F.F.A. Soils Contest on Saturday. The Eagles will open their Eagle Invitational at 9 a.m. on Saturday.


At South Putnam

Clay City 25 25 25

South Putnam 16 14 12

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