JCHS ends skid vs. Tribe

The Patriots are starting to hit their stride while the Indians are still searching for answers.
Jay County picked up its fifth straight victory Tuesday, knocking off state-line rival Fort Recovery 25-22, 25-21, 25-22 in high school volleyball.
The victory ended a nine-match losing streak for the Patriots against FRHS, with their last victory coming by a 15-7, 15-11 score in 2001.
“I think we want it so bad that we tense up and we don’t play for half a game,” said JCHS coach Fred Medler of his team’s past encounters against the Indians. “I thought we played well in the first game, responded to a few runs that they had and closed that one out. …
“I’m pleased with a three-game win over Fort Recovery. ... It was a big win.”
Jay County (14-12) ran out to a quick lead Tuesday only to have the Indians pull even at 19. But after a time out, the Patriots scored the next five points in a row on the way to closing out the opening game.
They fought back from an early deficit to take the second game, and then grabbed control of the third thanks to a four-point service run from Alyssa Rigby that included a pair of aces.
Rigby finished with a team-high 11 service points, Mariah Hornaday had 16 kills and 14 digs and Hannah Ainsworth totaled 29 assists and 11 digs.
Kelsey Fiely paced Fort Recovery (4-14) with 14 digs, seven kills and five service points.
“Even though we didn’t play well Saturday, I thought we played with more energy,” said FRHS coach Kylie Huelsman, whose team has lost 10 in a row. “I thought we did a lot of good things and we had spurts tonight … but again I think it’s just a lack of confidence.”

Junior varsity
Tori Lennartz led Fort Recovery to the victory, 25-15, 25-18 over the Patriots.
Lennartz finished with seven service points, six digs, four kills and two blocks, all of which were team highs. Sierra Pugh added seven service points and seven assists for the Tribe (8-4).
Faith Parr had four digs and three service points for Jay County. Abbi Dunlavy notched three service points and two kills.[[In-content Ad]]