Prep Volleyball: Bulldogs get redemption

Call it a night of redemption. Heather Cox did.

The Harrisburg High School volleyball head coach said after her team's poor play last Tuesday, Thursday night's straight set win over West Frankfort was cause for celebration.

"We had great serving (zero misses in the first game) and great blocking by our freshmen middles (Bryleigh Buchanan, three kills and Matt Hawkins, three kills), along with help from senior Brantlea Jones on the weak side was huge for us," Cox said.

Cox added those three really helped a Bulldog defense at sealing up the net.

"I believe West Frankfort got two kills on us that first game," Cox said. "They would have had many more if it had not been for some great net play. I thought Whitney Younger (three kills) really stepped up her hitting tonight. She put down almost ever set we gave her with a kill or tip. She was big for us tonight."

Cox continued to praise the efforts of Audree Morecraft, who "did a great job all over the court."

Morecraft and senior libero Haley Price were also praised for their efforts on defense, while Lilee Robinson and Jessica Schwartz each had five assists on the night.

"It was an all-out great effort by everyone, Cox said of the 25-18, 25-20 win. "We had tons of energy and showed some spunk that I haven't seen in a few matches."

The Harrisburg junior varsity also won in straight sets, knocking off West Frankfort 26-24 and 25-8.