EP won the first set after leading big early, trailing midway and pulling away at the end for a 25-17 win. The Lady Panthers moved out to an 11-4 lead but the Rockets strapped in and chipped away to tie the set at 13, concluding with a 5-0 run. The teams exchanged the lead over the next several points with EP going up 17-16. At that point they outscored the Rockets 8-1 to get the win, with Alaina Frank hammering home the winning point.
Rock Falls stormed back in the second set as they took the lead at 2-1 and led the rest of the way. The Lady Panthers got within 3 at 10-7 but the Rockets would eventually build a 10 point spread going up 21-11 on the strength of a 5-0 run. EP could have rolled over and prepared for the third set but they rallied. EP outscored the visitors 10-2 to make it a 23-21 score. The Rockets were able to secure the final two points for the 25-21 win.
The deciding set was close through its entirety. With the set tied at 10, the teams traded the lead several times with EP finally gaining a 17-15 advantage and the Rockets calling a timeout to regroup. The Lady Panthers seemed to hit their stride at the point and grew their lead to 21-18. EP got to set and match point going up 24-21 with the Panthers taking timeout to discuss how to finish the match. Kayler Pritchard did the honors as her kill gave EP the 25-21 win.
The win makes it three in a row for EP as they improve to 7-3.
EP coach Rachel Bramm praised the win calling it a team effort. “Tonight’s match against Rock Falls really displayed our depth and resilience as a team. The girls are really starting to step into their roles, and any one of them can have a big performance on any given night. I’m so proud of the team and their ability to bounce back from the second set loss and take the third set in demanding fashion. Every match we’re seeing this group establish more and more of their identity as a unit, and we’re so excited to see what they become by the end of the season.
The Lady Panthers will host Rockridge on Monday.
EP Stats
Alaina Frank: 9 kills, 2 aces, 21 digs
Kayler Pritchard: 8 kills, 1 block
Lia Milem: 36 assists, 9 digs, 1 block
