Clinton hosted Harrells Christian Academy in a non-conference volleyball match on Monday afternoon. Clinton, with hopes of avenging its only loss of the season, played inspired volleyball and edged the Lady Crusaders in a tightly contested match, 3 sets to 1.
Clinton edged out the Lady Crusaders in the first set 26-24 but seemed to relax in the second set losing 14-25 and allowing HCA back into the match. The third set saw Clinton settle in, taking a comfortable lead midway through the set and then hold off a fierce rally by the Lady Crusaders to take a 25-21 win and a 2-1 lead in the match.
The fourth set was a seesaw battle with both teams holding leads, neither able to open any breathing room. Late in the set Clinton opened up a little space going up 24-21 on three strong serves by Corey Spell. The Lady Crusaders broke Clinton’s serve but after a long volley the Lady Horses finally won the last point to take the fourth set 25-22 and secure the 3-1 win.
After the match Clinton head coach Jennifer Edgerton acknowledged the Lady Horses’ gritty play, saying, “it was a struggle tonight, I think the girls decided they wanted it a little bit more and they gutted out a good win.” Edgerton also praised her team’s effort adding, “they all played well, Jessica Hamilton stepped up again, and Jamie Jones was big in the middle, a position she has not played regularly this year. Francesca Juaregui and Madison Mitchell really played well handling a lot of their tips, it was just a great team effort.”
The win over HCA moves Clinton to 8-1 overall and 3-0 in Four County Conference play. The Lady Horses will return to conference action on Tuesday when they travel to Union to face the Lady Spartans