NTL VOLLEYBALL: ATHENS PULLS OUT FIVE-SET THRILLER AGAINST WYALUSING IN REGULAR-SEASON FINALE (9 PHOTOS) (October 22, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athens finished strong to pull out the decisive fifth set in a back-and-forth, 3-2, win over Wyalusing here Thursday night in NTL Large School volleyball action.

The Wildcats won the first set, 25-22, but the Rams answered with a 25-23 win to even the match.

Athens scored a 25-23 in the third set, but Wyalusing again responded with a 25-22 to force a fifth set.


"What a match," said Athens coach Heather Darrow. "It all came down to four points. We had a crucial block from Ev (Roy) and Emma (Mallare) at the end and that ignited the team to put it away. 

"They all played relentless tonight and I mean both teams," noted Darrow. "It was back-and0forth with maybe a five-point lead in one of the games, and then it was just a constant point-for-point battle. Wyalusing has a strong offense.

"It was Senior Night for Hannah (Parrish), Emma (Mallare), and Meg (Wiles) and they definitely put it all out there and led the team to an awesome victory," added Darrow. "This team would run through a wall for each other it's really cool to see."

Sophomore Kayla Forbes led Athens with 12 points, including three aces, 40 digs, and five setter assists, while senior Meg Wiles had eight points, 38 assists, 11 digs, and one block, and junior Ellie Mosher had 1 points, 17 kills, two blocks, and 20 digs.

Freshman Evelyn Roy had three points, 16 kills, two blocks, and eight digs in the win, while senior Hannah Parrish had six points (two aces), six kills and 20 digs, and junior Lainey Vosburgh had two points and 15 digs.

Junior Kendall Galasso had five points, four digs, and two kills for the Wildcats, while senior Emma Mallare registered two kills and three blocks, and sophomore Emi McQuay added three kills.

Darrow praised her players' efforts in the win:

"Kayla Forbes was on-point tonight getting a touch on almost every ball with 40 digs. It was just insane

"Lainey Vosburgh read the outside attack and appeared out of no where several times to make an easy pass to Meg (Wiles). She is such a steady defender.

"Ellie (Mosher) had a triple-double serving 100 percent from the line and she was our go-to hitter for sure. It is so fun to see her hit from any position and so fun to coach a player that is so open to do it all.
 
"Evelyn Roy was able to get on top of the ball and the girl has one quick arm swing when she goes in the middle. It's so impressive how loud she is on the court calling her hits and telling Meg (Wiles) she's ready.
 
"Meg Wiles ran the offense incredible tonight and came in clutch with some great defensive digs. She knows her hitters and knows who to go to when and is always boosting them up. 

"Hannah Parrish had some incredible digs and great shots tonight. She made such smart plays when we needed them. I love those tricky shots she has. 

"Kendall Galasso was really scrappy at the net and is really finding her confidence on the outside.

"Emi McQuay and Emma Mallore were great blockers tonight. The stats may only show a few blocks, (but) that's because blocks only count if they result in a dead ball. They had big blocks and touches that slowed down some big Wyalusing hitters.

"Stopping those hitters gave the girls a moment to gather themselves and pound it back at them," said Darrow.

Athens, 10-5, now awaits word on the upcoming District 4, Class 4A playoffs.

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PHOTOS BY CHRIS MANNING.

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