Big Red, Taylor Nail Down First Win
Steubenville sweeps city rival Steubenville Catholic
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STEUBENVILLE -- First-year Steubenville volleyball coach Kristin Taylor knew her team getting its first win was only a matter of time if it kept playing the way it had been.
Her squad picked a good time to break through Wednesday night in the Mickey Barber Gymnasium, sweeping city rival Steubenville Catholic, 25-17, 25-20, 26-24.
"It's just exciting," Taylor said. "They're playing against people that they are neighbors with and friends with. It's always a great game, whether it's here or at our place. It's always nice to come out with a win in this game, especially since its our first one and my first one (as head coach).
"I wanted this win for (the team). I wanted them to get that feeling of accomplishment, and they got it (Wednesday)."
Big Red (1-3) was able to recapture the momentum every time it seemed the Crusaders (4-4) started to get something going.
"I think it was one of our weaknesses in years past that when we got down, we kind of stayed there," Taylor said. "I told them we have to depend on each other. That is being a team. It's starting to click and starting work. They are great group of girls. They love the game and they love each other."
Steubenville Catholic coach Monica Fischer, also in her first full season, agreed the match was played a lot closer than a sweep would indicate.
"It was very hard-fought," Fischer said. "(Big Red) came out hungry and eager for the win. They worked really hard and played really tough. They were a good team. It felt like a close game the whole time. It was just a good match.
"We look forward to playing them again."
Steubenville got off to a fast start in the opening set, opening with a 5-0 run. Central evened the score at 6-6, but a later 7-1 Big Red run put it in control en route to a 25-17 set win.
In the second set, the Crusaders grabbed the early lead at 2-0, but Big Red again took over with a 9-2 run. Central got within two a couple times, but Steubenville pulled away to take a 2-0 lead in the match with a 25-20 second set win.
The third set was the closest. Again, Central opened up an early lead, and also once again, Big Red stormed back to take the lead. The teams traded the lead back and forth several times throughout the set, and were tied at 24-24. Big Red got the next point to get within one of a sweep, then it appeared Central evened the score again as it was awarded a point. Big Red appealed, the referees talked it over and the call was reversed, putting the score back at 25-24 Steubenville. Big Red then scored the next point to finish the sweep.
"They had a lot of momentum and kept going," Fischer said. "They out-swung us. We've had some really good moments, and we have a lot of things to work on. We just have to keep moving forward. We have a lot of games left. We'll keep marching and keep working hard."
Taylor hopes that it's just the start of her team's winning ways.
"Absolutely I feel like the wins will start coming," Taylor said. "We can't stop at one. We have to keep going. I think they have all the working parts to win in order now. It's a confidence builder. If you don't gain confidence from a game like (Wednesday), I don't know when you will."
Big Red was led by Emily Allen with 11 points, three kills, three digs and 21 assists. Anna Taylor had 10 kills, four points, two aces and 11 digs. Makayla Abram had 10 kills and six blocks. Sammi Cucarese had six points, an ace and 19 digs. Maggi Cucarese finished with eight points, four aces, three kills and four digs.
Central got 29 digs, eight kills and four points from Clara Symington. Theresa Bahen had 27 digs, five kills and three points. Katelyn Dorsey had 28 digs and seven points. Anna Godich had 11 assists, four kills, four points and a block. Adriana LeFever had 14 assists, 10 digs, two kills, two aces and four points.
Big Red plays its first home match of the season on Tuesday, hosting St. Clairsville.
"We finally get to play in our home gym," Taylor said. "I'm very excited to coach my first game there."
Catholic Central hosts Beallsville on Saturday.