Rough third game sinks Lady Raiders

By MATT KING
Daily Journal Sports Writer

BONNE TERRE — The momentum rested squarely with host North County entering a decisive third game against Viburnum on Tuesday night, making the extremely one-sided finish seem even more surprising.

Struggles with passing and hitting compounded rapidly against the Lady Raiders down the stretch, and Viburnum tallied 16 of the first 18 points during the final stanza for a 25-21, 19-25, 25-12 triumph.

North County (2-9-3) was unable to return the volleyball five straight times in game three, as Rachelle Kirkwood served nine straight points for the Lady Jays. Brittany Kelly attacked cross-court and down the line for kills that produced a 17-3 margin.

The Lady Raiders turned away three match points on kills by freshman Brittany Collins after trailing 24-8, but Viburnum sealed the outcome with a hard middle smash from Nikki Bozic, who totaled eight kills overall.

Liz Barrett finished with four blocks and seven digs, and Paige Mayfield made 13 assists to lead Viburnum, which earned its fourth win this season over an MAAA Conference opponent.

Two left-side kills from senior Tia Propst helped North County surge ahead 17-9 in game two, but that advantage also evaporated when Viburnum countered with nine straight points.

Strong serving by Abby Montgomery eventually pulled the Lady Raiders through with a seven-point run that included two aces, as Viburnum struggled with its transition to offense.

North County scored the initial point of the match when Collins connected firmly from the middle, and grabbed an early 6-2 edge, but still trailed throughout much of game one.

Viburnum built its largest lead at 18-13 after two Barrett digs and a quick transition allowed Bozic to spike into the back row. Ashley Lotz prevailed in a joust and Mallory Hicks landed a short attack near the sideline to spark a North County comeback.

Two superb digs from Bekah Stabenow led to a Collins kill that brought the Lady Raiders within 22-21, but Viburnum secured the opening game when a solo block by Kirkwood could not be controlled.

Collins finished with 10 kills and Propst added seven, while Allison Hughes made six digs for the Lady Raiders. Setter Kassi Hovis chased down several errant passes to record 16 assists.

North County will host Poplar Bluff on Thursday.