The College Heights Christian Cougars scored 14 of the match’s final 15 points to avoid a third consecutive night of five-set volleyball and earn a 3-1 victory (25-14, 25-21, 25-27, 25-16) Thursday evening over their Ozark 7 Conference, district and Newman Road rival Thomas Jefferson inside the TJ Fieldhouse.
College Heights also outscored Thomas Jefferson 18-5 to close out the first set 25-14 and fought off the Cavaliers late in the second set 25-21, while Thomas Jefferson succeeded on a fourth set point to take the third set 27-25.
College Heights improved to 16-5-1 overall and 2-1 Ozark 7.
“I’m not a big fan of excuses,” College Heights coach Mary Colin said. “We showed up tonight a little bit spread out. We took team pictures after school in our new facility, which is so fun and exciting, and which pushed us back all over and running late. We literally ran in the gym late, and by the time we got into the locker room and got out, they had called captains, which is absolutely our fault just for the timing of the day.
“We were not warm, and we did not move well (early). They slowly just started trying to logically fix that part of their game and it was just a matter of taking the smart part of their game and their energy and their momentum, because it’s hard to speed up if you don’t warm up well. They did (speed up), and I’m super proud of them.
“We had every intention of not going five. They truly did leave our last time out and pushed as hard as they could to get to a point where they will not play a five-set match tonight. We’re super proud of them for that.”
The Cougars won for the first time without their outstanding senior Addie Lawrence.
“Addie is a powerhouse,” Colin said. “She’s scored a lot of points for us, so it’s finding the points in other places. They are all heart and soul. They are great kids. They’re not trying to make mistakes, obviously. Addie’s here on the bench cheering them on, which is awesome.”
Lauren Ukena finished the match Thursday with 18 kills and 10 digs, while Lindsay Griesemer had 15 service points and nine kills. Katie Moss contributed 13 service points and 13 digs, Ava Masena had 13 service points and 23 digs, Libby Fanning recorded 13 kills, and Maddy Colin compiled 39 assists and 17 digs.
College Heights returns to action Monday on the road against McDonald County and the Cougars return home Tuesday with an Ozark 7 match against Verona.
Thomas Jefferson fell to 8-11 overall and 1-3 Ozark 7.
“I wanted them to compete,” Thomas Jefferson coach Dave Soetaert said. “That’s what I said at the beginning of the season, I just want to come in and compete and I want the other team to walk out the door knowing they competed, and points will fall where they fall. We did.
“They had some great plays. They’re a good team, perennial powerhouse around here, and big rival down the street. We haven’t beat them in a gazillion years. In my four years, I think that’s the first time we’ve gotten a set off them. Man, it could have been more, could have been less.
“We’re proud of the girls. They fought hard. I thought it should have been a good match to watch if you’re paying money to watch volleyball. Just a couple things here and there, it could have been different.”
Mary Nguyen had 13 digs and six kills for the Cavaliers, while Nico Carlson had eight digs, four kills, six assists and three blocks. Leah Studer contributed seven digs and four assists with a pair of aces, Lannah Grigg had 13 digs and seven kills, and Gabbi Hiebert put together 10 digs, six kills, four assists, and two blocks.
Thomas Jefferson returns to action Saturday in the Southwest Volleyfest Tournament with matches already slated against Purdy, Spokane, Wheaton, and Pierce City.
