Pushed to the brink of seeing its undefeated season go away, the Marcellus girls volleyball team refused to accept that reality.
Instead, it fought back from a 2-0 deficit in games and numerous other close calls to beat Westhill last Thursday night and move to 13-0 on the season.
Though it had endured other close calls this winter, Marcellus never was so close to defeat, which only made the rallies more impressive.
Close in the first game, the Mustangs still took a 25-21 defeat to the Warriors. The second game was even tighter — but had the same result, as Westhill prevailed 25-23 and took a big lead.
Marcellus sensed the danger and easily won the third game, 25-14, but was pushed back into trouble in the fourth game before, by a score of 25-23, it forced the match to the limit.
Westhill showed its heart by matching every Marcellus thrust in the fifth and final game, going beyond the point limit. Finally, at 26-26, the Mustangs inched ahead and converted match point to win, 28-26, and stay unblemished.
Lauren Fletcher had 14 kills and five blocks, and also got a solid amount of help. Kayla Howard earned 10 kills and three blocks, while Kayla Linder got seven kills.
On the back line, Jenn Daley compiled 35 assists, with Sarah Clere and Rebecca Eddy each finishing with five aces. For the Warriors, Jenna Martens had 31 asssists, helping Jenni Jerome (14 kills) and Anna Hutchings (13 kills) show some power.
Once it gets past matches with CBA and Jordan-Elbridge, Marcellus will hone in on next Monday’s regular-season finale at Cazenovia, the best possible test before the start of the Section III Class B playoffs.
