Lady Red Devils challenge Superior Bobcats

In a five set match Saturday night, the Superior Lady Bobcats ousted the Noxon Lady Red Devils, but not without having to give all they had.

The first set began with Superior taking the lead. Noxon put two points on the scoreboard, but held there as Superior climbed. However, not giving up, after a time called at 8-2 by Superior, the Devils came back and closed the gap to Superior 10, Noxon 9. Superior felt the pressure and jumped to a five point lead, but then the Devils caught up again, tying at 15 points. The pattern continued, with Superior leading the way and Noxon catching up. When it looked like Superior would win the set, the Devils tied with Superior at 24 points. The two teams battled to gain the two point lead to win the set. At 29-27 the Bobcats won.

The second set was another close one. Noxon passed the Bobcats after a tie at seven points. The Devils continued to charge ahead until they obtained a seven point lead. A timeout was called at Superior 11, Noxon 18. After catching a breath, the Bobcats came from behind and closed the gap to where Noxon only led by two points. Another timeout was called. After the timeout, the two trades serves and point gains, but in the end, Noxon came out on top, winning 25-22.

With both teams giving it all they had, and both equally matched in strength, it was a mystery as to who would win the match at this point. Superior and Noxon stayed neck and neck until the middle of set 3. Eventually, the Bobcats charged ahead, leading by 10 points. The Devils tried with all their might to catch up, only gaining a few points. Superior finished the set at 25-17.

Superior now had two sets and Noxon only one.

Feeling the pressure, the Devils took control of the court in the fourth set. Superior took the immediate lead, but Noxon refused to play catch-up. Steaming ahead, the Devils would place several points on the scoreboard before turning over the ball, only to regain serve position and rack up more points. Close to winning the set, they led the way, 22-13. Superior then put on a strong show racking up points and started to close the gap. Noxon held their lead and won the set, 25-20.

It was agreed upon between both teams that the fifth set would be decided at 15 points.

Superior took the lead from the get go and strongly held it. Noxon put on the pressure and fought hard to catch up with the Bobcats. However, Superior refused to be beaten, and won the set, 15-10, and won the match.

Coach Beth Janney said, “They played awesome. They finally clicked and put everything together and played as a team. They started communicating. The last game they had against Plains they started to play a little late in the game, it wasn’t until our third game against them and they were just able to build on that momentum from that game.” She then said the team had been working hard at practice and hitting a lot and getting excited.