The evening featured raffles, prizes and the introduction of several Breast Cancer survivors.
EP won the match in straight sets as as they swept the season series with the Comets 25-18, 25-19. The freshmen and JV squads also posted wins.
Both sets were very similar as neither team could create much of an advantage early but it was the Panthers that found their mojo in the second half of both sets to get the win.
In the first set with Newman up 7-6, they went on a 3-1 run to enjoy a 10-7 lead. EP responded with a 7-4 stretch to tie the set at 14. After taking a one point lead and a Comet timeout, the home team increase its advantage to 18-14. Newman would close the lead to 20-17 but would get no closer.
The second set was tied at 5 before EP surged ahead 9-7 and would lead the rest of the set. A Panther ace made it 19-14. After leading by 8, the Lady Comets cut the margin to 4 but EP responded with a surge to take the set.
It was a great night for our program, with every team earning a 2-0 win over Newman, said EP coach Rachel Bramm. “We had a really special atmosphere as we hosted our annual Volley for a Cure event in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I talked to the girls before our game about playing with purpose, and they did just that. After a slow start at the beginning of the match, we really hit our stride and secured a pretty decisive victory in set one. The girls came up with some very high-level play tonight, making it very exciting to envision what the next couple of weeks will look like leading into post-season.”
EP Stats
Alaina Frank: 8 kills, 1 ace, 6 digs
Ava Johnson: 8 kills, 5 digs
Lauren Punke: 7 kills (0.500), 1 block
Lia Milem: 24 assists, 7 digs
EP improves to 17-7-2 (6-2) and will travel to Mendota next Tuesday.
