South Putnam falls to Monrovia

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

South Putnam's volleyball squad slumped to 0-3 in the WCC after dropping a four set contest to Monrovia at home on Monday.

The Eagles stumbled out of the blocks 13-25 and 18-25 before winning the third set 26-24 but falling in the decisive fourth set 20-25.

The hosts started well in the first set and held an 8-4 lead before the Bulldogs pulled the rug out from under them, rattling off a 21-5 run that carried Monrovia through the first set.

South Putnam went out sluggishly to start the second set but rallied from 1-5 down to tie the match at 13-13, setting off a string of back and forth action.

But at 16-16, the visitors again made a push towards the end and outscored the Eagles 9-2 to win the second set.

Down two sets, South Putnam came out much more aggressive in the third set, shooting to a 10-5 lead before Monrovia reeled them back in at 14-all.

The two squads traded blows for the rest of the set, though the hosts were ahead at most points and held on for a 26-24 win to extend the match.

Neither side could break away early in the fourth set as the home team was able to get out to a 12-10 advantage.

Monrovia surged ahead 15-12 and, from that point on, held the Eagles at bay to cap off the 3-1 victory with a 25-20 win in the final set.

South Putnam head coach Renata Hendrickson said that the slow start ultimately cost the Eagles in the end.

"I think we had a pretty good game tonight but we just started off slow. That was the hardest part, not starting out at our best and having to come back from there," Hendrickson said.

"We were fighting from behind, especially in the first game. I don't think we played bad at all, but we need to keep the late game intensity the whole time."

South Putnam travels to Danville on Thursday and Hendrickson said that with a good start, the squad has a better chance at getting a win on the road.

"We need to start strong from the beginning with our hitting, blocking and passing. When we set up the hitters, that's when we play really, really well," Hendrickson said.

"We need to make sure we start well early, keep the intensity going and don't let our heads drop."

South Putnam faces Danville on the road Thursday at 6 p.m.

At South Putnam

Monrovia 25 25 24 25

South Putnam 13 18 26 20

Next match: South Putnam travels to Danville on Thursday.