VB92407

Reapers put it together on offense, win in two

September 25, 2007
By Greg Burks Special to the Beacon News
SOMONAUK -- Plano and Somonauk took a break from their respective conference schedules to battle in a non-conference volleyball match on Monday evening.

The host Bobcats seized the early momentum but Plano came back to earn a straight set 25-23, 25-21 win.

The Reapers improved to 3-15 overall with the win, while Somonauk dipped to 4-9 on the season.

"I've said it all year, it's about focus with this team," said Plano coach Lisa Esmond. "And whether they forget about the mistakes and keep playing."

Focus proved to play a big factor in the match, as both teams struggled with errors at certain points.

Somonauk jumped out to a 5-1 lead in Game 1 after Lauren Gifford and Lyndsi Wellner teamed up to block a Plano spike attempt.

The Bobcats extended the lead to 11-6 after a Kaylee Siuda block, but Plano began its comeback shortly after.

The Reapers tied the game at 13-13 and took their first lead at 15-14 on a Nora Ocon ace.

"Somewhere along the way we deflated," said Somonauk coach Angie Koontz. "And we never could quite get energized again."

The Reapers opened up four-point leads on two occasions and led 23-20 before a back row kill by Somonauk's Paula Tuttle made it 23-21.

The Bobcats closed the deficit to 24-23, but the game ended when Plano earned a point due to Somonauk using too many substitutions.

Plano opened up a 6-1 lead in Game 2 after consecutive blocks by Olivia Moody. The Reapers never trailed, although Somonauk did make a make a comeback in the late stages of the match.

An ace by the Bobcats' Paige Hochstatter made it an 18-17 score, but Plano finished with a 7-4 run to win 25-21.

"Our offense finally came together," said Esmond. "We didn't swing a lot, but we found the holes."

Stephanie Smith had six kills to lead Plano, while Moody added four kills and four blocks. Ocon and Melina Garibay both had four digs, while Sarah Johnson and Doni Hoti combined for a dozen assists.

For Somonauk, Siuda had six kills. Hochstatter and Tashia Warner combined for fifteen assists. Christine Trost had three aces and three kills.

The match was the start of a busy week for the Bobcats. Somonauk will play four matches this week, including a conference date at Paw Paw this evening.

"We can play really good volleyball," said Koontz. "We've beat some good teams, and we've played well against some really good teams."

Plano will travel to Sandwich for an Interstate Eight Conference battle this evening.

The Indians topped Plano earlier this season on the Reapers' home floor. Volleyball: Plano 25-25, Somonauk 23-21