The first year coach had no time to relax as both sets were extremely close throughout with EP picking up 25-20 and 25-23 wins.
The first set was tight throughout with neither team gaining more than a 2 point advantage. With the Panthers leading 22-20, senior Kaylee Keegan served a rocket to put the Panthers up by three as they closed the set on a 5-0 run.
The host Chargers jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second set before Brynn Brown served an ace to tie the game at 7. The Chargers then went on a second 4-0 run to take an 11-7 lead. EP battled back to tie the set at 12 with a spike at the net by senior Ashlyn Johnson to put EP up 16-14. Orion responded with another run to take a 20-17 lead and forcing the Panthers to take a timeout. The breather was apparently exactly what EP needed as they went on a 5-0 run to go up 23-20 and held on for the 25-23 win.
“We had a great, all-around balanced performance from many players, siad coach Rachel Bramm. “In the first game of the season, in an opponent’s gym that was full of noise and energy, the girls were very composed and brought home the win. We are ready to turn around and hopefully finish 2-0 on the week following our first home game against BV tonight.”
EP Stat Leaders
• Brynn Brown with 4 aces and 6 digs
• Lauren Abbott with 2 aces, 2 blocks, and 7 kills
• Kaylee Keegan with 18 assists
• Ashlyn Johnson with 8 kills and 5 digs
The F/S and JV both won their matches in straight sets to make it a program sweep.
EP plays their first home match of the season tonight (Tuesday) against Bureau Valley with the freshmen game starting at 5:00 in Prophetstown.
