Cougars down Knights in volleyball

Van Wert independent sports

The Van Wert Cougars and Crestview Knight volleyball teams had a battle royal on Monday, with the Lady Cougars coming out on top in a five-game match at Van Wert.

Van Wert's Alexa Dunlap (20) attempts to smash the ball over the net, while Lady Knights Grace Callow (15) and Claire Zaleski (4) try to block the shot. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent) — Van Wert’s Alexa Dunlap (20) attempts to smash the ball over the net, while Lady Knights Grace Callow (15) and Claire Zaleski (4) try to block the shot. (Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent)

The Knights won the first game of the match, 25-22, but Van Wert came back to win the second game, 25-23. The third game featured several lead changes, with Crestview edging the Cougars 25-23. Van Wert then battled back in the fourth game to win 25-22 and set up a fifth and final game.

The question of who wanted the game more was answered in that game when the Cougars pulled away for a 15-6 non-conference victory.

With the win, Van Wert is now 11-2 on the year, while the Lady Knights fall to 9-3 on the year. The Cougar junior varsity team also won in two games, 26-24 and 25-19 to go to 8-5 on the year.

Van Wert varsity stats leaders

Serving – McKenna Merkle, 25/26, with two aces; Amanda Coplin, 18/18; Taylor Doidge, 16/16 with an ace.

Hitting – Merkle, eight kills; Alexa Dunlap and Doidge, seven kills each.

Defensive digs – Dunlap, 27 digs; Coplin, 24 digs.

Setting – Riley Jones, 11 assists; Coplin, nine assists.

The Lady Cougars will return to action on Thursday in an away game at Lima Bath.

POSTED: 09/24/13 at 6:11 am. FILED UNDER: Sports