Lady Pioneers Battle Stewarts Creek in Four-Set Thriller
Reese Reinitz serves during Tuesday’s battle with Stewarts Creek.
Warren County battled from start to finish Tuesday night, but the Lady Pioneers couldn't finish off the close sets in a four-set loss to Stewarts Creek.
After dropping the opener 25-17, Warren County bounced back to win the second set before coming up just short in the final two. Stewarts Creek escaped with a 25-17, 21-25, 28-26, 25-23 victory at Charlie Dalton Gym.
“They never got down on themselves. Same as last night, we made some critical mistakes that are avoidable, but they never got down on each other,” coach Erin Blalock said.
The Lady Pioneers never stopped encouraging one another throughout the match, particularly in the second set. Warren County found the energy it had carried over from the previous night and used it to take control of the set.
Warren County continued to control the second set, building a 19-9 advantage and forcing Stewarts Creek to use a timeout. The Lady Pioneers appeared to be in control, but they found themselves under pressure late in the set. Warren County found a way to keep its composure and momentum to secure a 25-21 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
“It is nice to win the second set, but we have to win close sets. We did not do that tonight, and that's ultimately, I think, what costs us the match,” said Blalock.
The third set was back and forth with both teams trading momentum and neither able to create much separation. Stewarts Creek took control early and led 13-8 before Blalock called a timeout.
The Lady Pioneers responded to the deficit with a strong push of their own. Warren County steadily chipped away at the lead before pulling within one point at 16-15.
Warren County continued to apply pressure and completed a comeback by taking a 19-18 lead, forcing Stewarts Creek to call a timeout.
Neither team could gain separation in the closing points and remained close throughout the set. The set was tied at 23-23 before Blalock called another timeout as the Lady Pioneers looked to regain control.
Warren County later fought back to tie the set once again at 24-24. Both teams continued trading points before Stewarts Creek finally closed out the set with a 28-26 victory to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
With the match on the line in the fourth set, Warren County found itself again in a close battle. The Lady Pioneers trailed by four points, down 13-9 prompting Blalock to call a timeout.
The Lady Pioneers continued to battle and refused to let the deficit get away from them. Warren County fought their way back into the set, remaining in striking distance, but Stewarts Creek was able to make the necessary plays late in the set. Stewarts Creek held on to the 25-23 victory and secured the win for the match.
“They battled, but they are a better team than that. We have to get to the point where we are closing those close sets instead of losing close sets,” Blalock said.
Although Warren County came away with the loss, the Lady Pioneers showed their ability to respond after falling behind. After dropping the first set, Warren County won the second and pushed Stewarts Creek to the limit in each of the final two sets.
The Warren County Lady Pioneers will look to carry that fight and energy into their next match as they will return to action on Thursday, Sept. 3 in White County. The district matchup is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
