ATHENS — Powerhouse North Penn-Liberty fought off a pesky Athens squad in the first set, then rolled to a sweep here Tuesday night in the semifinals of the District 4, Class AA volleyball playoffs.

The top-seeded Lady Mountaineers, now 18-1, won by scores of 25-21, 25-17, and 25-15.

“We played all out,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “I couldn’t be prouder of their effort.

“The plan was to play with all-out effort, and smiles,” noted Hanson.  “They did it … we tried unconventional ways to turn it around if errors were made, and we had fun.

“We just made too many errors.

“This a special, fun, close-knit team,” added Hanson. “I am truly blessed, and I can’t thank them enough for letting me be their coach this year.”

Senior Jenny Ryan led Athens with three service points, seven kills, 13 setter assists, and 16 digs, while senior Audrey Clare had six kills, two blocks, two assists, sophomore Kassie Babcock had six kills, and 12 digs, and senior Cassy Friend registered two kills, and eight blocks

Sophomore Ella Coyle had two points — both aces, and 11 digs for the Lady Wildcats, while senior Cailin McDaniel had two points and three digs, junior Izzy Davis recorded five digs, and junior Keaton Wiles chipped in with two kills, and one block.

The Lady Wildcats wrap up their season at 9-9, with three losses coming to NP-L.

Hanson will say good-bye to five seniors, a group she speaks very highly of.

“These five seniors are so, so, so, special,” said Hanson. “And, unbelievably talented in everything they do. They do so much on top of everything they do on the court; most of them also have some kind of employment too.”

Hanson lauded each of her seniors.

“Audrey Clare is such a leader and team player. The hardest hit ever … I love when she pounds the ball

“I am so flipping proud and impressed by Cassy Friend’s skills. She started playing in 8th-grade and has made a complete 180-degree turn into an extremely intense player and huge blocker.

“Cailin McDaniel is a passionate player and so, so, so, competitive. She pushed herself last season to become a starter this season and earned it.

“Jenny Ryan is an incredible player who has worked her butt off to be where she is at today. She makes her position look easy, when it is absolutely not. She is fast, can hit the ball hard, and can play defense. An all-around amazing player.

“Braelynn Wood Is a standout leader, and extremely smart player. She knew where to put the ball all the time and was also incredible at defense.”

Hanson said the seniors were the key to Athens’ success in 2022.

“This fearsome five came into preseason and took control,” she said. “It was awesome to watch the leadership and mentorship take off from day one.

“I’ve had so many compliments from parents saying how kind the girls have been to the freshmen,” added Hanson. “They are amazing role models and deserve all the best.”

ATHENS — Athens overcame a first set loss and gutted out a 3-1 win over Northeast Bradford during District 4, Class AA quarter-final action here Saturday afternoon.

“It feels amazing,” said Wildcat senior Jenny Ryan. “Usually, we don’t get this far in districts, but we just really wanted it, so it feels really good to get this.”

NEB would rally for a 25-21 first set win, but Athens pulled away for 25-19 and 25-16 wins in the second and third sets. The Wildcats would build a 12-3 lead in the fourth set, only to watch the Panthers come back to take a 19-18 lead.

However, Athens out pointed them 7-3 after that to get the 25-22 deciding set victory.

Ryan finished with 21 assists, 10 digs, eight kills, six blocks, and three points — picking up two crucial fourth-set points on a block and kill that led them to the win.

“It was just a huge momentum boost because we were down seven points in serve-receive passes,” said Ryan. “I was like, ‘OK, I’ve got to do something.’ And I think that just boosted our momentum a lot.”

They were strong defensively all match long, with 18 blocks, and 65 digs.

“Our blocking on the outside has really stepped up,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “Cassy Friend has been a force, as far as blocking.”

Seniors Cailin McDaniel, Cassy Friend, Audrey Clare, and Ryan combined for the majority of the blocks on the day.

“Their timing is great,” said Hanson.

And on the back row she complimented sophomore Ella Coyle’s leadership.

“(She) really stepped in today with digging everything,” said Hanson. “Just taking that back roll on.”

Coyle finished with 16 digs, four points, and three aces, while Clare finished with a team high 11 kills, four blocks, two assists, eight digs, and one point.

Kassie Babcock had six kills, 14 digs, three points, two aces, and was 10-for-10 in serve receives, and Keaton Wiles finished with three kills, three digs, and one block.

Friend had three kills, and three blocks, and McDaniel finished with four blocks, three digs, one kill, four points, and three aces. Junior Izzy Davis chipped in with three points, and 11 digs.

The first set was nip-and-tuck until 12-12 when Athens scored six of the next seven points to take an 18-13 lead. However, NEB rallied, and would tie it at 20-20.

From there, the Panthers out scored them 5-1 to take the first set home.

“That first game, when we just couldn’t break away I was like, ‘oh boy,’” said Hanson. “We can play with confidence at some points, if it’s like 10-point lead, but when it’s a little sketchy, it starts to be that careful play and stuff.”

They played with confidence the next two sets, leading both from the first serve to the last point.

The final set looked like it was going to be a blow out as they jumped out to a 9-point lead, but NEB rallied behind the serving of Gabby Susanj, who had five aces in a row, and six during her serve, to make it 17-17.

Ryan would end the run with a block, but NEB tied it back up again as an Athens push kill was out.

A kill would give NEB a 19-18 lead, but that’s when the Wildcats went on a 3-0 run thanks to back-to-back kills from Clare and Ryan, while Babcock followed with an ace to give them a 2-point lead.

The two teams traded service errors, followed by two straight missed attacks from Athens to knot it up at 22-all.

However, a service error from NEB put Athens up 23-22. Ryan then had a decisive block for the 2-point lead, and an attack into the net from NEB ended the match.

Hanson believes that the fourth set was a learning moment for her team.

“That’s all I’ve been talking the girls this whole season is, it’s how we react to if we’re not winning, we’re learning,” she said. “How do you react if you don’t win a rally, and sometimes it seems like we have to have these four or five point things before we’re like, ‘oh, maybe it’s time to turn it around.’ We can’t do that, and we can’t do that again.”

Athens will now get the top seeded NP-Liberty Mountaineers Tuesday, back at its home gym. NPL went undefeated in the league for the sixth year in a row, but the Wildcats feel they can match up with them, as they lost two of the matches by just a few points.

“It’s all about momentum in this last game, especially against Liberty,” said Hanson. “And all I ask of the girls is to leave it all out there, but with their voices. We have the skills.”

They hope to lead with their defense once again, as that will be the focus at practice on Monday.

“I think that we just really need to work on our defense,” said Ryan. “Come into Liberty prepared, and show them what Athens volleyball really is.”

WELLSBORO — Athens rallied after dropping the first set, then held off a Wellsboro comeback attempt to win a five-set thriller, and qualify for the upcoming District 4, Class AA volleyball playoffs here Tuesday night.

The Lady Wildcats dropped a 25-20 decision in the first set, but bounced back to win the next two by scores of 25-16 and 28-26. The Lady Hornets evened the match with a 25-22 win in the fourth set, but Athens closed it out with a 15-10 win in the fifth set.

A week ago, Athens was 5-8, and in need of three wins in its final three games to qualify for the postseason. Wins over Troy and Towanda last week, set up Tuesday’s win-or-go-home match at Wellsboro.

“The girls played crazy fired-up tonight,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “They were relentless.

“When we played Wellsboro before, there were many long rallies ending with Wellsboro putting the ball down and crushing our momentum,” she noted. “Not tonight, we fought and won many of the long rallies.

“What a confidence boost,” Hanson added.

The last week, noted Hanson, has seen the Lady Wildcats in postseason mode. She hopes her team’s sense of urgency continues into the postseason.

“The biggest takeaway from this whole experience was the joy and crazy intense enthusiasm from all,” said Hanson. “Even in moments where they got down they turned it around; that is a mindset that’s necessary for the next part of the season.”

Senior Jenny Ryan posted a triple-double with 15 service points, 27 setter assists, and 16 digs, to go along with seven kills, and three blocks, and senior Audrey Clare had five points, 20 kills, three blocks, eight assists, and 14 digs to lead the Lady Wildcats.

“Special props to Audrey Clare for having 20 kills tonight, the girl was loud, determined and a leader,” said Hanson. “Jenny Ryan ran the court, with over 100 setter attempts meaning she gave her hitters a ton of chances to hit.

“Those were a couple highlights, but none of that would be possible without the entire team,” she added. “Ella Coyle had incredible serves tonight, and Cailin McDaniel came in clutch with her serves.”

Sophomore Ella Coyle had 14 points (two aces), and three digs in the win, while senior Cassie Friend registered three kills, seven blocks, and two digs, and sophomore Kassie Babcock had nine points, five kills, and 15 digs.

Sophomore Keaton Wiles had eight kills, and 11 digs for the Lady Wildcats, while senior Cailin McDaniel had four points, one block, and three digs, junior Emily Marshall added four digs, and junior Izzy Davis recorded three digs.

Sophomore Paige Logsdon led Wellsboro with 15 kills, 11 blocks, 10 points (two aces), and nine digs, while sophomore Lexi Arena had 16 points (four aces), and 19 digs, junior Natalie Cleveland added 10 points (three aces), and 23 digs, senior Emily Starkweather had seven points, six kills, three blocks, and 18 digs, and senior Maddi Bordas chipped in with 31 setter assists, 13 digs, and three kills.

Athens, now 8-8, now awaits confirmation on its District 4 opening-round opponent. The current power rankings has Athens as the fourth seed, with a home game next week against fifth-seed Wellsboro. Brackets are expected to be released Friday.

ATHENS — A week ago, Athens had its back to the wall, needing to win its final three matches to qualify for the upcoming District 4, Class AA volleyball playoffs. After an emotional four-set win over Towanda Thursday night, the Lady Wildcats now only need to win their season finale at Wellsboro.

The Lady Wildcats won the first two sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-20, but the Lady Black Knights won the third set, 26-24, to keep the match alive. Athens finished off the night with a convincing, 25-10, win in the fourth set.

“It was Senior Night tonight, and it was pretty emotional,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “What was so amazing and really hit me was, how loved these five seniors are and how amazing they truly are.

“You get so focused in the season you forget they are teenage girls playing a sport they love,” she noted. :Then you have Senior Night and remember all of it.”

“The girls played as a team tonight again just like at Troy,” added Hanson. “Sometimes, when you have these nights honoring certain players other players have a tough time handling that — not this team. They really supported one another.”

The fourth set ended with senior Braelynn Wood, who suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this season, at the service line, her leg adorned by a bulky knee brace. She served the match-ending point.

“Braelynn Wood was allowed to serve the game point in the fourth set, and that’s when I lost it,” said an emotional Hanson. “I really think that spoke to everyone —  play hard and support each other because you never know when it could be your last game. Braelynn Wood was the MVP tonight.”

Senior Audrey Clare led Athens with 14 kills, one block, 11 digs. four service points — all aces, and three setter assists, while senior Jenny Ryan had six points — all aces, 13 kills, one block, 24 assists, and five digs, senior Cassy Friend registered two kills and two blocks, and Cailin McDaniel chipped in with one block,

“All the seniors played great tonight,” said Hanson.

Junior Emily Marshall had five points in the win, while sophomore Ella Coyle had three points (two aces), and 11 digs, sophomore Kassie Babcock had two points (two aces), two kills, and five digs, junior Keaton Wiles had five kills and five digs, sophomore Gretchen Schmieg recorded three kills and four digs, and Izzy Davis chipped in with three points (two aces).

“We have a new addition to the team in Gretchen Schmeig, and she played outstanding ball tonight already,” said Hanson. “Izzy Davis also stepped up big and played front and back row exceptionally.”

Athens, now 7-8, closes out the regular season Tuesday at Wellsboro.

TROY — Athens is in must-win mode, needing to win its final three matches to qualify for the upcoming District, Class AA volleyball playoffs.

Well, it's "one down, and two to go" after the Lady Wildcats dispatched of Troy in straight sets here Tuesday night by scores of 25-18, 25-15, and 25-18.

“It was a team effort tonight, totally,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “The girls were loud, focused and had fun.

“I haven’t seen this team since our first game,” added Hanson.

Senior Jenny Ryan led the Lady Wildcats with three service aces, while seniors Cailin McDaniel, and Audrey Clare, and sophomore Kassie Babcock each had two aces.

Athens, now 7-9, hosts Towanda Thursday, then travels to Wellsboro Monday for the regular-season finale.

LIBERTY — Division-leading North Penn-Liberty swept past Athens here Monday night in NTL Large School Division volleyball action.

The Lady Mountaineers, who improve to 14-1 overall and 11-0 in league play, won by scores of 25-12, 25-12, and 25-13.

"We played hard, and had great moments, but each moment was followed by an unforced error,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “I guess that knocked the steam out of our pipe.

“The girls need to take responsibility upon themselves to talk and communicate on the court,” noted Hanson. “Until they do that, it’s going to be tough to have any victories.”

Senior Jenny Ryan led Athens with 12 service points, three kills, two blocks, 12 setter assists, and seven digs, while senior Audrey Clare had six kills, two assists, and eight digs, and senior Cassy Friend had four kills, two blocks, and four digs.

Sophomore Ella Coyle had six digs for the Lady Wildcats, while sophomore Kassie Babcock recorded six digs, sophomore Keaton Wiles registered three kills, senior Cailin McDaniel added two kills, and one block, and juniors Izzy Davis and Emily Marshall chipped in with four digs and two digs, respectively.

Athens, now 5-8, returns to action Tuesday at Troy.

RYAN, COYLE REACH CAREER MILESTONES

ATHENS — Wellsboro needed extra play in two sets, but pulled out a 3-1 win over Athens here Thursday night in NTL Large School Division volleyball action.

The Lady Hornets won a lengthy 29-27 decision in the first set, then won the second set, 25-22. The Lady Wildcats stayed alive with a 25-17 win in the third set, but Wellsboro closed out the match with a 26-24 win in the fourth set.

Senior Jenny Ryan led Athens with five points — all aces, six kills, three blocks, 22 setter assists, and 23 digs, while senior Audrey Clare had six kills, five assists, and 15 digs, and sophomore Ella Coyle recorded 30 digs.

Senior Cailin McDaniel had four points — all aces, three kills one block, and eight digs, while sophomore Kassie Babcock had four kills, and 17 digs, senior Cassie Friend registered seven kills, three blocks and three digs, Keaton Wiles had a team-high nine kills and three digs, and Emily Marshall chipped in with two digs.

Meredith Brownlee led Wellsboro with 12 points, three kills, one block, 12 digs, while Emily Starkweather had 11 points, nine kills, two blocks, 21 digs, Lexi Urena added nine points, eight kills, nine digs, and six assists, and Paige Logsdon registered eight points, eight kills, 10 blocks, six digs.

Athens, now 5-6, hosts North Penn-Liberty Tuesday.

TOWANDA — Short-handed Athens, led by senior Jenny Ryan’s quadruple-double, got stronger as the night went on, rallying after dropping the first set for a 3-1 win over Towanda here Tuesday night in NTL Large School Division volleyball action.

The Lady Black Knights pulled out a 26-24 win in the first set, but the Lady Wildcats bounced back with wins of 25-21, 25-15, and 25-15.

“I am beyond proud as a coach tonight,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “We were out two starters — Braelynn Wood due to injury and Audrey Clare due to illness — but got the job done.”

Ryan posted her second quadruple-double of the season with 24 service points, including seven aces, 18 kills, 21 setter assists, and 16 digs, while sophomore Kassie Babcock had 19 points, including six assists, five kills, one block, and 15 digs, junior Emily Marshall had 18 points (three aces), two kills, eight assists, and nine digs, and sophomore Ella Coyle had three points (three aces), two kills, and 26 digs.

“Jenny Ryan played incredible tonight and definitely shined in her leadership role,” said Hanson. “The way that girl runs the floor is unbelievable. She is quick and agile, and made her passers and hitters look amazing.

“Ella Coyle’s defense and serve-receive was beautiful tonight,” noted Hanson. “Ella stepped up big and I saw her take more ownership of the entire back row … she was flying and it shows in her stats with 26 digs and 24 serve receptions.

Emily Marshall stepped up and saw a lot of playing time, along with Sammi Mack — both did great,” added Hanson.

Senior Cassy Friend had seven points, and 12 kills, while senior Cailin McDaniel added three points, four kills, one block, and six digs, sophomore Keaton Wiles added four kills and two digs,, and junior Samantha Mack chipped in with three digs.

“Cassy Friend and Jenny Ryan and had some hard hits tonight. It’s really cool to see these girls really step up at this stage of the season,” said Hanson.

“Cailin McDaniel was a leader out there and is so competitive,” she added.

Athens, now 5-5, hosts Wellsboro Thursday.

ATHENS — Troy was able to force a fourth set, but Athens got back on the winning track with a 3-1 win here Tuesday night in NTL Large School Division volleyball action.

The Lady Wildcats, who snap a three-game skid with the win, won the first two sets by scores of 25-16 and 25-14, before the Lady Trojans prevailed, 25-17, in the third set. Athens closed out the match with a 25-20 win in the fourth set.

Senior Jenny Ryan led Athens with four points, six kills, two blocks, 16 setter assists, and 17 digs, while senior Audrey Clare had seven kills, seven assists, and 11 digs, and junior Emily Marshall chipped in with three points, including two aces.

Kassie Babcock had two points, six kills, and eight digs in the win, while senior Cassy Friend registered five kills and three blocks, senior Cailin McDaniel added five kills and two digs, sophomore Ella Coyle recorded 22 digs, and senior Braelyn Wood notched 13 digs.

Athens, now 4-5, returns to action Thursday at North Penn-Liberty.

WYALUSING — Wyalusing pulled out a tightly-contested first set, then cruised to a sweep of Athens here Thursday night in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Rams won the first set, 26-24, then closed out the match with wins of 25-12 and 25-18.

“We are really distracted, we have been playing distracted for a bit now,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “I think I am coaching distracted, too.

“We are always worried about the next play before the play that is in motion is finished, coach included.

We’re going back to one point at a time mindset and focus,” added Hanson. “Reset and regroup … don’t really know what else to say.”

Jenny Ryan led Athens with two aces, nine digs, nine setter assists, three kills, and one block, while Audrey Clare had there kills and seven digs, Braelynn Wood had three kills and nine digs, and Kassie Babcock had two kills and two assists.

Ella Coyle recorded seven digs for the Lady Wildcats, while Emily Marshall added six digs, Cailin McDaniel chipped in with two kills, and Cassy Friend registered two blocks.

Athens, now 3-3, is on the road Saturday to play Lake Lehman and Blue Ridge.

ATHENS — For the second time in five days, Athens found itself in an epic five-set battle. This time, however, the Lady Wildcats came up short in a 3-2 loss to Williamson here Tuesday night in NTL volleyball action.

On Thursday, Athens trailed 2-1, but rallied to beat Sayre. Tuesday night was a complete 180-degree reversal.

Athens opened the night with a 25-23 come-from-behind win over Williamson, which won the second set, 25-11. The Lady Wildcats bounced back with a 25-23 win in the third set, but the Lady Warriors won a 26-24 slugfest in the fourth set, and won the decisive fifth set, 15-8.

“It was an awesome match tonight,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “It was a battle to the end.

“Williamson has some huge lefties who know when to swing and when to tip,” noted Hanson.

“For us, Ella Coyle was everywhere tonight … I see the fire in her eyes for more,” she added. “And Kassie Babcock had four aces that really fired us up.”

Kassie Babcock led Athens with five service points, including four aces, five kills, and 14 digs, while Audrey Clare had four points, 11 kills, and 13 digs, and Jenny Ryan had two points, seven kills, one block, 13 setter assists, and 17 digs.

Braelynn Wood added three points, two kills, three assists, and seven digs for the Lady Wildcats, while Cassy Friend registered two kills and three blocks, Coyle recorded 26 digs, Keaton Wiles chipped in with two points and one block.

Athens, now 3-2, returns to action Thursday at Wyalusing.

SAYRE — Senior Jenny Ryan posted a quadruple-double, and senior Audrey Clare added a triple-doubles to lead Athens in a come-from-behind, 3-2, win over Sayre here Thursday night in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Redskins did not play like a team searching for its first win. After dropping the first set, 25-13, Sayre bounced back to win the next two sets, 25-21 and 25-21.

The Lady Wildcats re-grouped and evened the match with a 25-18 win in the fourth set, then pulled out a 15-11 win in the decisive fifth set.

“Oh my goodness what a game,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “Sayre played incredible tonight, they would not let the ball hit the floor. They totally wanted it and came back with fire after the first game.

“We were pretty full of it after the first game and Sayre shut us down, not once but twice actually, and  almost a third time,” noted Hanson.”

Hanson gave kudos to Ryan and Clare after the win.

Jenny Ryan played and all-around incredible game,” she said. “High in kills, and second in digs, while also running the court and being a leader.

“Audrey Clare’s serving in the third game got us our spark back,” noted Hanson. “Even though we lost the third game, it reminded everyone we are a good team and we can do this.

“Overall, I was really encouraged by our strong serving,” added Hanson. “We had 105 serves and only missed 10 — that’s incredible.”

Ryan led Athens with 17 service points, including five aces, 22 setter assists, 14 kills,, two blocks, and 27 digs, while Clare had 10 points (two aces), 13 kills, and 11 digs.

Sophomore Kassie Babcock had nine points, 29 digs, and three kills in the win, while senior Braelynn Wood had four points, six kills, and 15 digs, junior Izzy Davis had three points and six digs, and senior Cailin McDaniel added two points and two digs.

Senior Cassy Friend registered four kills and one block for the Lady Wildcats, while sophomore Ella Coyle recorded 29 digs, junior Samantha Mack chipped in with three digs, and sophomore Keaton Wiles had two kills.

Senior Maddison Belles led Sayre with 22 points, including five aces, six kills, and 14 digs, while senior Gabby Shaw had 10 points (three aces), seven kills, two blocks, and 12 digs, sophomore Mazlin VanDuzer added five points, and senior Elizabeth Boyle had three points and 26 setter assists.

Senior Aliyah Rawling had two points, five kills, and seven digs for the Lady Redskins, while sophomore Raegan Parrish registered four kills, and eight digs, senior Makenna Garrison added two kills, and 14 digs, and sophomore Abbie McGaughey chipped in with two points, and two digs.

Athens, now 3-1, returns to action Saturday at the Tunkhannock Tournament, while Sayre (0-4) hosts Galeton Saturday at noon.

TIOGA JUNCTION — Athens advanced to the semifinals, while Sayre fell in the quarterfinals — both losing to eventual runner-up Coudersport — here Saturday at the annual Williamson Volleyball Tournament.

Coudersport and NEB both finished 6-2 in Pool B, with Coudersport winning the pool via the tiebreaker. Athens was third at 4-4, with Northern Potter and Towanda, fourth and fifth, respectively — both at 2-6.

Williamson and Galeton both finished 6-2 in Pool A, with the host Lady Tigers winning the tiebreaker and the pool. Canton was third at 3-5, taking the tiebreaker from Sayre, which finished fourth at 3-5. Troy finished fifth at 2-6.

In the quarterfinals, Athens upended Galeton, 25-19, while Sayre dropped a 25-19 decision to Coudersport.

Athens was then swept by Coudersport, 25-20 and 25-18, in the semifinals.

Williamson swept Coudersport by scores of 25-16 and 25-13 in the championship match.

Sayre travels to Canton Tuesday, then hosts Athens Thursday.

ATHENS — Athens overcame a slow start and rallied for a 3-1 win over Cowanesque Valley here Thursday night in NTL volleyball action.

The Lady Indians won the first set 25-23, but the Lady Wildcats bounced back to win the next three sets by scores of 25-14, 15-9, and 25-20.

“We had a slow start, which CV totally jumped on,” said Athens coach Heather Hanson. “CV played well tonight and was very determined. We needed a reality check that teams aren’t going to wait for us to catch up.

“We need to refocus on basics and communication.

“Everyone saw playing time tonight which is awesome to see the team mesh with each other and not panic,” she noted.

“I know we are finding our rhythm right now,” Hanson added. “I am not patient when it comes to that part, but it’s not about me it’s about the team believing and trusting in each other.  It’s on them to become that unstoppable team if that’s what they want.

Audrey Clare led Athens with nine service points, including six aces, 14 kills, two setter assists and 13 digs, while Jenny Ryan had two points (two aces), eight kills, 24 assists, and eight digs, and Braelynn Wood had nine kills and seven digs.

Cassy Friend had two points, three kills, three blocks, and six digs in the win, while Kassie Babcock had three points, seven kills, and one block, Ella Coyle recorded seven digs, and Keaton Wiles added four points — all aces.

Athens, now 2-1, returns to action Saturday at the Williamson Tournament.