Senior Bristen Matheney reaches for the ball at the net during Chester County’s home match against Hardin County on Thursday. The Eaglettes battled through three sets before falling 25-13, 25-22, and 25-19. Photo by Todd Lewis, Independent
The Chester County Eaglettes opened their home volleyball schedule with a pair of matches last week, earning a convincing win over North Side before falling to a tough Hardin County squad.
Chester County controlled Monday’s match from start to finish, sweeping North Side in three sets. The Eaglettes won the opening set 25-13 before cruising to 25-7 and 25-3 victories in the final two sets.
The competition grew tougher Thursday when Hardin County came to town. Chester County fell behind 10-0 in the opening set and was unable to recover, dropping the set 25-13.
The Eaglettes responded with a stronger effort in the second set, taking the lead and pushing Hardin County throughout the frame before falling 25-22. Chester County remained competitive in the third set, but Hardin County closed out the match with a 25-19 victory.
“Tonight I saw some fight and a lot of growth,” Head Coach Emily Ellis said. “We had some upperclassmen who aren’t always vocal step up and really lead. I have freshmen who are being pushed out of their comfort zone and giving it everything they’ve got. It was a tough loss, but I am proud of my team and the fight they gave to the finish.”
Ellis said the Eaglettes will work on becoming more effective offensively while improving their communication and trust on the court.
“We will be focusing on being more effective in our offense, finding the court, and trusting the person next to you,” Ellis said. “If we don’t communicate and trust the other players on the court, we will not be effective in our gameplay.”
Chester County returned to action Saturday at the FHU Tournament. The Eaglettes earned victories over Halls and Westview while falling to Milan during tournament play. Chester County advanced to the Silver Bracket championship, where it faced Hardin County for the second time in three days. The Eaglettes fell in the championship match but finished as the Silver Bracket runner-up.
The tournament results gave Chester County a 3-3 record for the week, including victories over North Side, Halls, and Westview.
