NTL VOLLEYBALL: UNBEATEN NP-L RALLIES TO TOP ATHENS, 3-1, AGAIN (2020-10-15)

Valley Sports Report
LIBERTY - Nine days ago, Athens took the first set from unbeaten North Penn-Liberty, but dropped the next three. Thursday's NTL volleyball match was a near carbon copy.

The Lady Wildcats logged a 25-16 win in the first set, but NP-L, a state runner-up last season, bounced back to win the next three sets by scores of 25-20, 25-12, and 25-21.

The match was originally scheduled to be played at Athens, but the NP-L school district refuses to play any events in Bradford County, forcing Athens to make a choice: cancel the match, or travel to Liberty for the second time in nine days.

"It was one heck of a journey of rescheduling, getting a bus, and changing plans," said Athens coach Heather Hanson. "It was our third game in three nights.

"The girls.played amped up and awesome," noted Hanson. :"It was great to watch them step.up.

"I'm not worried about the loss because the improvement is incredible," she added. "This loss is going to help us a ton."

Senior Kayleigh Miller had 31 setter assists and 13 digs, and senior Taylor Field recorded 16 digs to lead Athens, while senior Leah Liechty registered 14 kills, and sophomore Jenny Ryan had 16 digs, seven kills, three assists, and two service aces.

Junior Taylor Walker had 11 digs, three kills and two aces for the Lady Wildcats, while senior Kylie Jayne put down nine kills, senior Grayce Witherow added seven digs and two aces, and junior Ally Martin chipped in with four kills, two aces, and two digs.