The Montpelier Lady Locomotives invaded The Hangar in Edon for the opening match of D-IV Sectional play against the Lady Bombers on the evening of October 18. The Belles in Bomber Blue were more than up to the task of defending their home hardwood as they sent Montpelier packing in straight sets, 25-15, 25-20 and 25-18.
Montpelier fell behind early against Edon in the first game, but was able to close the gap. Unforced errors proved the undoing of their efforts as the match progressed though, and the Lady Bombers capitalized upon the gaffes to pull away for the win. The Lady Locos jumped out to an early six-point advantage in the second game, but again the errors returned to haunt them. Edon went on a 10-3 run to close the gap, tie the game, then take a 14-13 lead, forcing a Montpelier time out. The Lady Locos battled hard, but were unable to break the momentum swing leading to the Edon win.
The third and final set saw both teams dealing with unforced errors, keeping the score close as Edon and Montpelier battled back and forth. Caitlyn Nixon and Rebekah Carr of Montpelier turned in an admirable performance in trying to shut down the heavy handed hammering of Edon’s Netta Halonen and Shaylee Manahan, but there was simply too much Bomber offense to stop. After tying the game at 14-14, the Lady Bombers closed out the final set on an 11-4 run to punch their ticket to the finals against Ayersville.
Nixon matched her defensive performance with a team high nine kills for Montpelier, while Edon was fronted by Manahan with a dozen kills and ten digs. Halonen finished with a trio of aces, six digs and eight kills, and Hannah Kaylor added an ace, five spikes and three digs.
Timothy Kays can be reached at tim@thevillagereporter.com
