Big leads evaporate as SM spikers fall to East

The loss hurt the chances of the Lady Mustangs (10-5, 7-4) from earning one of three Mountain Athletic Conference spots in the state playoffs. They fell to fifth in the league standings.

"It was very disappointing not to be able to hold onto the leads," Coach Cindi Simmons said. "We played very well at times but couldn't deliver the knockout punch."

The Lady Eagles jumped in front 6-0 in game one before SM settled down. Amber Stephens had three points, and Ryan Cook had a kill cutting the gap to 7-5. Cook followed with three points, including an ace, and Christy Pruett had a block for an 8-7 edge. After Jessica Cook served two points and Ryan Cook had a kill, the Lady Mustangs had completed a 13-1 run for a 13-7 lead. However, they would not score again in the game missing opportunities on six straight serves. East wrapped it up on the second game point.

Katie Loughlin reeled off five points, including an ace, and Ryan Cook had a kill for a 9-1 lead in the second game. Once again, SM was unable to hang on as a 10-1 spurt put the Lady Eagles in front 11-10. Carly Harshman put the Lady Mustangs back on top 14-13, but they couldn't nail it down on game point. East served the next three points to take control of the match.

Harshman's three points and Loughlin's kill put the Lady Mustangs in front 3-0 in the third game. Stephens had three points for a 6-4 edge. Five points, including an ace, from Pruett extended the margin to 12-6. Loughlin served the last three points, and the game ended on Ryan Cook's kill.

Pruett's four points, including an ace, along with a block and kill by Elizabeth Trine, made it 4-0 in game four. A 6-1 run gave the Lady Eagles the lead for good at 6-5. SM was within 11-9 after three points, including an ace, by Harshman along with Trine's block and Ryan Cook's kill but would come no closer. The Lady Mustangs held off two match points before East nailed down the win.

"Elizabeth came off the bench late in the third game and throughout the fourth game," Simmons said. "She played well defensively with her blocking at the net." Loughlin was tops in kills with 10. Pruett and Ryan Cook both added eight. Harshman finished with 11 assists, and Stephens had 10.

Pruett led in service points with 14. Harshman followed with 12, and Loughlin had 10. Ryan Cook and Jessica Cook were perfect in 14 and 10 serves, respectively. Stasha Nicholson got her only serve in. Stephens served 93.3 percent, and Harshman was at 91.3. Team serving was 90.5 percent.

East was a 15-9, 15-8 winner in the JV match.

"We were never able to get any momentum going in either game," Coach Nikki Young said.

Back to Sports: 10/04/01.