PUNXSUTAWNEY – Punxsutawney has been nearly perfect this season,
posting a 21-1 record so far, and Thursday night was no
different.
The Lady Chucks took care of business, eliminating Bradford from
the District 9 Class AA semifinals by a 25-14, 25-17, 25-23 score
Thursday.
Punxsy came out of the gates fast, jumping out to an 8-2 lead
early in the first game. The Owls were able to claw back for a
13-16 mark, but the hosts held on for the first win, 25-14.
“They are a methodic team, they know what they’re doing, and
they just methodically took us to town,” recalled Judy Abbey, BHS
head coach.
It was the Lady Owls who jumped out to the early lead in the
second game, taking a 7-4 edge. Punxsy rallied to tie it at 13-13
and then used powerful hitting to pick up the 25-17 win.
The Lady Owls started fast in the third game as well, leading at
7-2, 14-10 and 20-16 before Punxsy dug out the 25-23 victory to end
Bradford’s season.
“They had some pretty extreme outside hitters,” Abbey declared.
“They have some senior leadership and they are a very disciplined
team.
“We played well, we just didn’t come out with intensity. I could
tell we were very nervous. We weren’t getting good passes and just
didn’t get a lot of breaks. But, we had a great season and this is
the first time since 2002 that we’ve made it to the
semifinals.”
Bradford was led by Brittany Holsinger (3 points, 3 kills), Jenn
Hilmes (7 digs), Erin Hannon (8 blocks, 8 digs, 5 points, 5 kills),
Rachel Garges (5 digs), Caitlin Persichini (7 digs, 10 assists, 5
points), Lexie Goble (4 aces, 8 points, 6 kills) and Katlyn Nelson
(5 digs, 4 kills, 2 points).
“Erin Hannon played a fantastic game. She played excellent,”
Abbey commented. “She was blocking so well that they had to change
some of their shots because of her ability.”
Bradford ends the 2005 campaign with an 11-9 mark.
“It was sad to see the seniors – Brittany, Jenn and Erin – play
their last games,” Abbey remarked. “Jenn Hilmes and Brittany
Holsinger have had four really good years in volleyball.
“Thirty-four percent of our offense comes from Erin, so that’s
going to be a big loss.
“But, on the bright side I have five of eight players coming
back, so that’s a good thing.
“Volleyball is coming around, it has never been a strong sport
in Bradford, but this shws the younger kids that volleyball can be
played in Bradford. The program will only get stronger.”
Abbey praised the work of assistant coach Nikki Wheeler this
season.
“We had an excellent assistant coach in Nikki Wheeler. She
helped the team with her knowledge of the game and with her ability
to relate to the girls. That was needed, she has been a big asset
and I’d really like to thank her. There was a whole different
demeanor on this team with her around.”
The Lady Owls’ coach also extolled everyone else who supported
the team this season.
“We got great support from our families and the fans. We also
had really good support from the school itself, from the athletic
director to the principle and the student body. That’s something
that’s really needed.”
Punxsutawney moves on to double-A final and will face Cranberry
for the crown in St. Marys at 2 p.m. Saturday.
