CLIPPERS COME BACK STRONG

COLUMBIANA OH- The  early season EOAC matchup between Columbiana and United was a contest between youth vs experience. The youth of Columbiana came through in victory as the Clippers claimed a straight set 25-12 ,26-24 ,25-15 home win over United.

Columbiana looked to right the ship after an opening defeat on Saturday, quickly racing out to a 14-1 early lead. United early on in their first game of the season just could not overcome the early deficit on their way to surrendering the first set. Clippers head coach Jennifer Martin was pleased with her team’s quick start “We definitely had an advantage this being our second game of the season. The nerves were gone and the girls were excited to play their first league game.”

The second set saw both teams exchange points much of the way as United started to gain confidence.  Columbiana would take a 24-20 lead late, but United was able to reel off 4 straight tying it at 24. Columbiana would go on to squash any thoughts of a comeback in the second and would go on to finish off the Eagles in the third set.  Coach Martin on her team’s ability to counter the height of United “I thought we tipped the ball well tonight. Our girls did a great job of finding the open space on the floor.”

The Clippers Ava Heinrich turned in a stellar all around performance with 10 kills, 13 digs, 8 points.  Ellie Jackson filled the stat sheet contributing 18 assists, 6 kills, 5 digs, and 6 aces.  Teammates Kelsey Cameron and Cameron Perkins held down the defense with 10 and 8 digs respectively. Brighleigh Kocanjer also contributed15 points in the victory for Columbiana.

United was led by Grace Knight  with 9 digs and 4 kills while Olivia Grubb added 15 assists and 7 digs.  Both teams will be back in EOAC action Thursday as United travels to East Palestine while Columbiana will host Leetonia.

*Contributed By YSN’s Chris Sigler