OBERLIN – It took a few moves, but Oberlin (10-5, 7-3) shook off a 25-13 opening set loss to thwart Keystone, 3-2, on Monday. At one point, the Phoenix even trailed 2-1.
Struggling to get the offense going, Oberlin Coach Casey Marcelo made three changes at setter to spark several runs. The clinching moment in the match belonged to senior Tiffani Burke who subbed in to serve and landed an ace to stun the Wildcats (6-6, 5-5).
“We always talk about roles – and how it helps the team get better. (Tonight) was a great example of the team accepting their roles and staying together,” Marcelo said. “Kayliana Barbee had aces and big kills.Getting the serving sub by Tifffani Burke; Aila Beckman had a great serving run to keep us in the game. (Karissa) Rankin and (Lauren) Sands did a great job switching from setter to hitter.
“I’m just amazed how well these players respond to adversity.”
Barbee, a junior, led the way with 15 kills, a team-high five aces and three blocks. Rankin, a 5’10” senior, tied with 15 kills in 31 attempts, getting in on two blocks, plus a dig.
| S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | F | |||
| Keystone | 25 | 18 | 25 | 25 | 11 | – | 2 | |
| Oberlin | 13 | 25 | 22 | 27 | 15 | – | 3 |
NO REST: Both teams will be back in play tonight as the Phoenix visit the Wellington Dukes; Keystone hosts Lutheran West.
