Lady Prospectors prevail in county clash with Drummond

PHILIPSBURG – Down 2-0 and with their backs to the wall, the Granite Lady Prospectors rallied to win the final three games against Drummond Tuesday night to claim a win in five sets, 22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-23, 17-15.

From the opening serve it was apparent that the two squads were evenly matched, as many of the points came as the result of extended rallies.

“We keep track of errors and so I give the girls credit because they play with grit and they don’t give up.” Said Granite Head Coach Jennifer Graham, “But we need to clean it up. We need to make the team we’re playing earn their points instead of giving them some.”

The Lady Prospectors played the match without senior Audrey Radtke who was away on a college tour in Tennessee. Her absence was filled by senior Alexis Phillips

“I give Alexis props. She stepped up and played all the way around and she did amazing. Obviously not having a player like Audrey hurts, but it’s nice when you have players that can step in and do the job.”

Granite lead early in Game 1, but Drummond refused to let them get very far away and eventually knotted the game at 21-21. Drummond grabbed the lead during Gracie Weaver’s serve to 23-21 and finished it off with Deana Parke taking them to the win and a 1-0 match lead.

The Lady Trojans jumped out to an early lead in Game 2, but as the game neared its conclusion Granite closed the gap to trail 22-19. The Lady Prospectors managed two points, but Drummond closed out the game with a kill from Weaver and a service ace from Hannah Bradshaw for a 2-0 advantage.

But Game 3 saw the Lady Prospectors turn things around as hitters Amelia Hill and Asha Comings started to heat up. At one point Granite went on an 11-4 run on service streaks by Haddie Tallon and Reece Pitcher. Drummond made a late run, but the Lady Prospectors held fast and earned a win to trail 2-1.

Watch Game 3 of the match now

Games 4 and 5 were both nail biters with Granite prevailing by a combined four points.

“This was our match to win and we just didn’t,” said DHS Head Coach Brooks Phillips. “They hustled, played hard, are becoming more confident each day and I am proud of them. I love coaching them!

“This is only the third game playing that offense with those girls and we are gaining valuable experience. ”

Struna carried the work load for the winners, leading Granite in four of the five statistical categories. The senior setter had 18 assists, 12 kills, 22 digs and four service aces. Comings and Hill each finished with two blocks.

Bradshaw led all attackers in the match, collecting 15 kills for Drummond to go along with her seven aces and 13 digs. Rylee Hilmo had 16 assists and Sydney Phillips chipped in four blocks as well.

Granite is back in action Wednesday night to play Lima in a varsity only match. The Lady Trojans will get a week off before traveling to Twin Bridges to play the Falcons.

In JV action, Drummond beat Granite 26-24, 25-23, 15-10.