Geneva opened the 2019 season with a thrilling five-set win over visiting Madison on Tuesday.
The Eagles got off to a slow start but rallied to win three of the final four sets. Geneva won the match 25-27, 25-22, 23-25, 25-11, 15-7.
“I’m proud of how we finished the match tonight,” Geneva coach Annah Haeseler said. “We came out kind of slow. Madison took advantage of that and gave us a run for sure.”
While the Eagles were tested early and often by the Blue Streaks, Haeseler is confident her players learned a lot from the back and forth affair.
“I think this was a little bit of a (gut) check,” she said. “I foresee a more focused and more aggressive team (against Mayfield on Wednesday). I think Madison fought hard and played hard. We learned tonight to not underestimate our opponent and to remember to play tough no matter what.”
Jordan Vencill led the way for the Eagles’ attack as she finished with 16 kills. She also contributed with nine digs, two blocks and a pair of aces. Morgan Stoltz posted a team-high 26 digs and also recorded seven assists and tied Chrissy Oros for the team-high with four aces. Oros also recorded 19 assists, 11 digs and one block. Myla Rhodes finished the match with 13 kills and Becca Quirk added 15 assists and seven digs.
“The girls did a really good job at staying focused,” Haeseler said. “It was literally point for point for most of the match. It was a little bit of a slow start for us and I can tell nerves played a role in it at the start of the match, but we stayed calm and got the job done.”
Hope Stanley finished with five kills and three blocks.
“I have to give a shout out to Hope Stanley,” Haeseler said. “She played well, stayed calm and made some key plays for us when we needed it. I changed her position mid-match and she adjusted well. Jordan Vencill did an amazing job leading her team. She is our captain and she definitely fulfilled that role tonight. Calm, cool, confident and definitely a leader tonight.”
Geneva hosts Mayfield on Wednesday.
