Lady Prospectors push Ennis, but fall in four

PHILIPSBURG – The Granite Volleyball Team came out fast, but slowly faded in a four set loss to Ennis 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 12-25.

The Lady Prospectors clearly put the visiting Mustangs on their heels with their elevated play. Ennis jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead only to have Granite catch and stay with them to 10-10. The locals then reeled off a pair of points that gave them a two-point margin, 12-10.

As the two squads traded points, Granite maintained its focus and their advantage, eventually earning the three-point win.

But Ennis wasn’t done. While they took control of games two and three early, the Lady Prospectors refused to be pushed aside. The teams played even for most of each set with Ennis slipping by for the wins.

In Game 4 the Mustangs got out quick on some quick hits from Kennedy Davis. A switch in the rotation by Granite freed up the Lady Mustang to attack, and she took full advantage.

“We were trying to match up in our rotation with another player of theirs and it gave an opportunity for a block that was closed and she (Davis) took advantage of it,” said Granite Head Coach Jennifer Graham.

Despite losing the match, Graham sees a lot of potential in her girls.

“When you watch our girls, they’re doing a lot of really good things. It’s fun to watch, like in that first game. But then its maintaining that level.

“It’s all mental. It’s having mental toughness to push your game to a certain level and then maintaining. That’s what we’re working on.”

Reece Pitcher led Granite with seven kills and teamed with Shelby Struna for the top spot in aces at three each. Amelia Hill led in blocks with three, Asha Comings had 16 digs and Haddie Tallon dished out 16 assists.

The Lady Prospectors will have some down time until Thursday when they travel to Lima to play the Bears.