PHILIPSBURG — In Philipsburg-Osceola’s gymnasium, which has earned a reputation for its sweltering heat akin to a sauna, causing a majority of spectators to be prepped with fans, the Mounties were unable to use its familiarity with the effects to boil over into a win.
Bald Eagle arrived in town with a fiery offense that became the story of the night which led to a three-set sweep for the Eagles with a packed crowd watching for both squads.
Despite a decisive win, the visitors appeared ready for the task. Still, Philipsburg-Osceola never surrendered or let its frustration set in, remaining competitive in every set, starting with a narrow 25-23 first frame.
“I feel like our girls never stopped; I got to give Bald Eagle credit,” Philipsburg-Osceola coach Carolyn Davidson said. “They were getting everything we gave them — there were no holes in their defense.”
That first frame ended with a streak of Mounties points as they threatened to take the first match point on a run in form but a timeout from both coaches down the stretch allowed a cool-off for an Eagles set win.
“We got a lot of young girls that have never really played up on varsity; even some of our upperclassmen had never been on varsity,” coach Davidson said. “This is their first year and they’re still learning the game. They’re still learning fundamentals and a great group of kids.”
In between sets, Bald Eagle coach Larry Campbell would give a lengthy address to his squad, almost through the entirety of the break, and the next frame opened with back-and-forth play similar to the opening. The Eagles would soon capitalize on efficient attacks and Philipsburg-Osceola errors to go on a streak that would cause two Mounties’ timeouts in quick succession as the visitors cruised to a 25-14 win.
“The biggest thing is we just got to be clean; we just made too many errors,” Bald Eagle coach Campbell said. “When you put pressure on a team and are not giving them free outs, now all of a sudden you got to get the flow… everything’s in system and now you’re feeling a little better about yourself.”
Bald Eagle’s offense stayed hot to open and throughout the third set, led by junior outside hitter Emily Smith, who finished with a game-high 11 kills, while also contributing three aces. Fellow junior outside hitter Kinsey Clark had three aces of her own in the win, along with 20 digs.
“I think our blocks were pretty good tonight, but I think we’re struggling on our right side and outside block, and some of our defensive coverage,” coach Davidson said. “Just staying low and the inexperience of some of the girls on the court — they’re getting it, and it takes them some time to adjust and get better as the day goes by.”
Practically every match this season for the Eagles has resulted in a sweep as they gear up to be a real contender in the conference. Philipsburg-Osceola can’t hang its head in a game where it remained competitive and continued to give optimism in coach Davidson’s first year at the helm.
Both squads resume in the midst of Laurel Highlands Conference play with the importance of results increasing as standings begin to solidify.
