ATHENS WINS TUNKHANNOCK TOURNAMENT

ATHENS WINS TUNKHANNOCK TOURNAMENT

September 11, 2021 Tim Birney

TUNKHANNOCK — Athens avenged its only loss in pool play beating Tunkhannock in the finals to win the annual Tunkhannock Volleyball Tournament here Saturday afternoon.

After posting a 6-1 mark in pool play, including a win over Towanda in the opening game of the game, the Lady Wildcats swept Wyoming Area in the semifinals, then swept Tunkhannock in the championship match.

“The girls had a spark in their shorts starting our first game against Towanda,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “I saw great teamwork and communication on the court today.

“It was such an awesome experience for all of us to go from a tough loss (Friday at NEB) to big-time victory the next day,” added Hanson. “I am very proud of how the team played.”

Athens hosts Canton Tuesday night.

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NEB KNOCKS OFF ATHENS, 3-1

NEB KNOCKS OFF ATHENS, 3-1

September 10, 2021 Tim Birney

ROME, Pa. — Athens battled for three sets, but Northeast Bradford was dominant in the fourth set of a 3-1 win here Friday evening in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Panthers won the first two sets by scores of 25-19 and 25-20, but the Lady Wildcats pulled out a 25-22 decision in the third set. NEB cruised to a 25-9 win in the decisive fourth set.

“Tonight was just the typical volleyball mental ups-and-downs,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “My team was quieter than I'd heard in a long time, they really had to work at being loud, which is not typical for them.

“This team has tons of potential,” she added. “I just need to have patience because they are coming along and they are going to be good.”

Jenny Ryan led Athens with nine kills, nine setter assists five digs, and two service points, while Taylor Walker had five points and two blocks, Ally Martin had four points (three aces), two kills, and 10 digs, and Ella Coyle had four points (three aces), and nine digs.

“Jenny Ryan did an amazing job running the floor touching every second ball,” said Hanson. “Taylor Walker had some huge blocks tonight changing the momentum of the game for the girls.

“Ella Coyle received an incredible game — I’m so excited for her,” noted Hanson. “And, Ally Martin was a machine; her serving game and digging was incredible.”

Audrey Clare had two points (two aces), five kills and six digs for the Lady Wildcats, while Braelynn Wood added three digs, and Kassie Babcock chipped in with two blocks.

Athens returns to action Saturday at the Tunkhannock Tournament.

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