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Cougars force OT to hold off Big Bay

Mark Johnson | Daily Press Big Bay de Noc Black Bear Rylie Lawrence (2) with a kill against Superior Central Tuesday. Defending for the Cougars is Emma Rutter (00).

GARDEN CORNERS — In a match with both teams seeking their first conference win of the season, it was fitting it took overtime to decide the winner here Tuesday.

Superior Central prevailed, beating host Big Bay de Noc in five sets, winning the final set in extra fashion 16-14.

The back and forth match saw the SC Cougars come out fast and win the first two sets 25-14 and 25-21.

The slow starts have been a problem all season long for Big Bay, and Black Bears coach Angie Paulson said her team has been playing from behind too often.

“It always seems it takes us the first set to get into the game and it did again tonight,” said Paulson.

“We have a fairly young team with only two seniors. After we got that first momentum going, getting our energy up (in third and fourth sets), we played much better.”

The Black Bears (1-5) with a non-conference win over Hannahville, battled back to win the middle sets 25-22 and 25-18 forcing the fifth set.

Superior Central coach Kris Bray said the ups and downs of the match was similar to others her team has played this season.

“Communicating and talking is a key for our team,” said Bray.

“The first two sets we were focused and making good passes and talking and allowing us to run our offense. We relaxed and started making mistakes and let them back in the match.”

The match featured 33 service aces with Superior Central (1-5) registering 18 and Big Bay 15.

The deciding fifth set had two solid service runs, five points and an ace by Black Bear Megan Yonker.

A four point service run, including an ace by Superior Central’s Betty Jo Swajanen, led her team back from four points down in the final set.

“It feels good to get that first win,” said Bray.

“We were down in the last set and I told them to relax and we started to pass better. We still have a lot to work on and we’re getting better.”

Summary:

Superior Central: Emma Rutter (7 aces, 2 blocks, 8 kills), Sydney Emard (4 aces, 8 kills, 1 block, 2 assists), Willow Pasanen (3 aces, 6 kills), Abigail Thayer (10 assists), Caitlin Thompson (10 assists).

Big Bay de Noc: Rylie Lawrence (3 aces, 5 kills, 17 digs, 8 assists), Holli Stapleton (7 kills, 3 blocks), Yonker (4 aces, 7 kills, 10 digs, 9 assists), Kaitlyn Massengil (5 aces, 5 kills), Emma Fiegel (3 aces, 2 assists)

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