Lady Eagles Upset Blair Oaks In Four-Set Victory

The Lady Eagles stunned Blair Oaks at their home season opener on Tuesday, Sept. 3. They upset the three-time state champion in four sets.

Sullivan soared ahead of the Lady Falcons in the first two contests (25-11, 25-21). The Lady Eagles dropped their third (25-23) but rebounded to take their fourth (25-22) for the victory.

Head coach Sarah Rochleau and the Lady Eagles were ecstatic for their first win of the season. “I was really proud of the team for coming back in that fourth set when Blair Oaks was really starting to get in a rhythm,” she explained. “Finishing close sets was something we had trouble with last year, so it was great to tackle that challenge in our first match.”

Rochleau helped keep her team’s heads in the game against the returning three-time state champions. She stated, “Before the match, we tried to keep everyone focused on the game strategy and on enjoying the moment. Having the opportunity to play perennial powerhouses, such as Blair Oaks, is something we are extremely grateful for.”

Sullivan tallied 168 attacks, 50 kills, 47 assists, 14 blocks and eight aces against the Lady Falcons.

Abby Record led the Lady Eagles with 13 kills and tied for a team-high 17 points. She also racked up 27 attacks, two aces, two blocks and an assist.

Ava Blankenship broke away with 31 attacks, 17 points, 12 kills and five blocks.

Stevi Saling led the Sullivan with 34 attacks and seven blocks. She also sailed in 16 points and nine kills.

Karlee Head had a team-high 25 assists. She also contributed 23 attacks and three kills. 

Allie Brune executed two aces on her 22 serves. She also brought in 21 attacks and six kills.

Ava Todd recorded 15 assists, three attacks, an ace and a kill for two scores.

Kelsie Hansel fired 28 attacks and six kills.

Andi Giebler grabbed five assists and two aces.

Trinity Midyett served up an ace and an attack.

Chloe Carson notched an assist.

Game Recap

Blair Oaks started hot with a one-point lead in the first set. The Lady Eagles responded with a game-tying score. It came when Brune deflected a spike and passed it to Head, who assisted Saling in the kill. Blankenship then hammered a strike to put Sullivan ahead 2-1. The Lady Eagles continued to hit on all cylinders. Brune fired aces while Saling and Blankenship teamed up on double blocks. They won their opening match by a score of 25-11.

Saling started her team off hot in the second contest by delivering the first point. Sullivan built a 10-3 lead, forcing Blair Oaks to call a timeout. The Lady Falcons eventually found their footing and cut the deficit to two points. Blankenship and Saling kept Sullivan’s momentum going with a double block. Record tapped points over the net, and Head assisted Blankenship on the final kill in the coffin. The Lady Eagles held off Blair Oak’s rally to win 25-21.

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