In a high energy match, the Canton varsity volleyball team beat Potsdam at home on Tuesday night. The three sets, 25-18,25-18,25-22, were all composed of back and forth play, including strong defense from both teams and long rallies. Canton served and hit constantly all match long and continually kept the Sandstoners on defense. Hitters Sydney Lorenc, Jillian DiSalvo, Gretchen Warner all contributed to this strong offense.
Earlier this season, the Bears lost to Potsdam on the road in five sets, and Tuesday was Canton’s revenge match. Many long rallies were won by Canton due to their stamina which the team has been working on during practices leading to the match. The team’s focused yet, positive mindset helped them get through adversities such as Potsdam’s smart play.
In the third set, the Bears were missed a serve to make the score 23-21. To win the following point defensive specialist Rorie Newman scored her first kill of the season. This kill was a turning point for the team to score the final two points and win the match.
All members of Canton played to their full potential, and many girls had their best game of the season. Hitter Lorenc had 14 kills, as she was able to toy with the Sandstoner defense, switching from hitting to tipping. DiSalvo and Warner had eight and seven kills respectively. Libero Gabbie Rauth was a game changer for Canton, as she vacuumed up many balls from the back row with her incredible passing. She produced nine digs and received 14 serves. Defensive specialist Grace Franklin served 14 points for the Bears serving the team back from deficits in the first set, and serving to win the first two sets. Setter Kelsea Whittier had 23 assists which put her career assist total over 900.
The Bears will celebrate their nine seniors on Thursday at home against Gouverneur at 6 p.m. Go Bears!
Plaindealer Sports 