The Joplin Eagles captured the first set in impressive fashion, but visiting Raymore-Peculiar rallied for a 3-1 victory over the hosts on Saturday in a non-conference volleyball contest inside Kaminsky Gymnasium.
In a clash between district foes, the Panthers defeated the Eagles 12-25, 25-16, 25-13, 25-22.
Playing at home for the first time this season, the Eagles got off to a great start before the Panthers took the momentum in the second set and never relinquished it.
“The first set was the best set we’ve played all year,” Eagles coach Staci Saunders said. “We played great and I’m really proud of how we played in the first set. I felt like we were stagnant in the second and third sets. We just weren’t playing the way we’re capable of playing.”
Senior outside hitter/right side hitter Bailey Owens led Joplin with 12 kills, six digs and five blocks before departing with an injury.
Junior setter Adalynn Noirfalise compiled 25 assists, nine digs and seven kills, while junior libero Phia Vogel contributed nine digs and four kills.
Also for the Eagles, senior outside hitter Raelin Calderon had five kills, five digs, two blocks and two aces, while junior defensive specialist Lucy Erisman had seven digs and junior middle blocker Amy Kessler recorded four kills.
Owens went down with an apparent ankle injury in the third set, so the Eagles had to go with a different lineup in the fourth set.
Trailing on the scoreboard, Joplin put together a nice rally late in the set, but the Panthers were able to regroup and end the match in four sets.
“I’m proud of how the girls played in the fourth set without Bailey,” Saunders said. “They rallied around her and made the adjustments. I’m proud of these kids. They know how to overcome adversity.”
These two teams could see each other again, as both have been assigned to Class 5 District 7.
Joplin (1-2) hosts Springfield Central (1-2) at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night.
