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Holcomb VB secures overtime victory over Campbell
In one of the closest nights of volleyball possible, the Holcomb Hornets came out victorious in overtime against Campbell after a two hour shootout.
While overtime isn’t typically a common occurrence in volleyball, Thursday marked the fourth five-set match Holcomb has played this season. In each, including matches against Southland, Senath-Hornersville, Kennett and now Campbell, the Hornets have been victorious.
“We’ve been here so many times this season that they should be used to it,” Holcomb head coach Matt Casper said. “We’re starting to wonder if they just like going to five sets.
“Just managing the adrenaline, finding a way to kick in those reserve tanks to finish up strong is crucial,” he continued. “I think they’re finally getting there and getting the stamina they need to push forward at the end of the match. I’m proud of them, and it was a really good win for us.”
While the Hornets came out strong to put away the first set 25-22, it wasn’t easy to get there for their first win of the night. The set tied up twice, first at 13-13 and then at 18-18. Holcomb pulled away with an ace by Chloe Hendrix, and after fierce play-making at the net, a kill by Maleigh Lemings propelled the Hornets to a first set win.
And then it was all about Campbell. The Lady Camels took the next two sets by storm with kills by Marie Wheeler and Darcy Broglin to start things off.
“We struggled coming out really hot and heavy this year, but we know coming in to play teams like Holcomb that if you don’t come out hot, you’re going to go home in three,” Campbell head coach Brittany Crane said. “Our game plan was to come in and attack, attack, attack to make them play as much defense as we could.”
With a set two lead of 17-7 before the first timeout, Campbell closely followed their game plan. After a tip by Broglin and a return error on the Hornets side of the court, Campbell tied the night with a 25-16 win.
Set three was harshly contested until the very end. After more than 10 kills by both teams the third set came to a tie at 24-24. With a Campbell kill and a Holcomb return into the net in rapid succession, the Camels came out on top in the third set as well.
Set four was a make-or-break for Holcomb, and the Lady Hornets played it as such. With excruciatingly long volleys and chaotic play at the net, Holcomb regained their momentum.
The Hornets took an early lead, but once again the set tied at multiple points as the teams took turns exchanging points. With another tie at 24-24, Holcomb’s Libbey Callis stepped up to serve, put down two aces, and brought the game into overtime.
“That fourth set, the girls could have folded up and finished right there, going home to be done with it,” Casper said. “They didn’t quit. Hats off to my lone senior Libbey to serve us out right there. Luckily in the fourth set, right there at the end Libbey stepped up big time and it went our way.”
Campbell struck first in the tie-breaker after some communication issues on the Hornets defense, but the hosts quickly regained control and composure. After another back-and-forth, Holcomb’s Maleigh Lemings slammed down a kill for their tenth point with just five to go.
“It was a real battle,” Crane said. “We were hitting at Holcomb; they just kept bringing up the ball so it was really hard for us to score on that. Early on, we had some really good blocks that helped us on defense. Later on they started hitting better and we couldn’t get those blocks any more.”
Shortly after, the gymnasium erupted with another ace by Callis and one by Kaetlyn Danley. After more battling at the net Holcomb came out on top to win the overtime set 15-10.
“This is such a game of momentum, and jumping out early like in that last set was crucial for us,” Casper said. “We were able to get a lead, relax a little bit, play smart and take our time to finish off against a really good Campbell team.”
Thursday’s win was the final test for Holcomb until they compete in the Tri-County Conference Tournament beginning on Tuesday sporting a 18-7-1 record.
Campbell traveled to North Pemiscot (4-11) Friday night for their final match until their own competition in the Bootheel Conference Tournament Monday.