Prep Volleyball: Marion takes down Harrisburg netters

Marion junior Haley Gooch rattled off 12 straight serves to win the first set, and the Wildcats squeaked by in the second game to sweep Harrisburg, 25-7 and 25-23 in prep volleyball action Tuesday night at Davenport Gym.

"The girls came out firing," said Marion coach Ashleigh Benson. "They were passing well, and when we are passing well, we can run anything we want."

Harrisburg was playing its first contest in a week, and head coach Heather Cox used that time to implement a new lineup to help with more consistent setting.

Bryleigh Buchanan had five kills and four blocks for the Lady Bulldogs (3-4). Jessica Schwartz added eight assists and Devin Butler had seven of her own.

"We played a new lineup and I thought that first set it was evident that it was new," said Cox. "They weren't real comfortable with the positions yet, and in the second set, it was just a plain and simple mental breakdown. We couldn't execute, we couldn't finish what we needed to finish."

Harrisburg led throughout most of the second game before Marion took its first lead at 13-12 on a serve from Haley Van Horn.

The second game featured eight ties and four lead changes.

"We still don't have the confidence that we can win ballgames all of the time," said Cox. "When push comes to shove, we play scared, and tonight we did."

Kylie Plant had 10 kills for the Wildcats. Abby Bayer and Jasa Bell both had four blocks. Junior Morgan Dodd added 21 digs.

Marion took Tuesday's freshman contest in two games. Harrisburg won the JV match in three sets.

Marion (5-3) will travel to Cahokia Thursday.

Harrisburg will host Benton Thursday evening to open SIRR Ohio play.

Galatia wins in straight sets over Carrier Mills-Stonefort

In Greater Egyptian Conference action Tuesday night, Galatia swept Carrier Mills-Stonefort winning 25-18 and 25-22.

Carrier Mills-Stonefort will be hosting its own Volleyball Tournament this weekend.