HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Sterling City survives for five-set win over Miles

Sept. 28--STERLING CITY -- The Miles High School volleyball team didn't let go of its grasp on the district title without a fight.

Trailing 14-9 in the fifth set at Sterling City on Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs staved off match point four straight times to close to within 14-13.

But Sterling City finally found a way to close out the match.

Autumn Kilpatrick -- normally a stout defender at the net -- took a step back, reared her arm back and connected with the ball in mid-air for the game-winning kill that powered the Lady Eagles to a thrilling 25-12, 12-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13 win to take the early lead in the District 7-2A race.

"We came together as a team and went for every ball," said Kilpatrick, who had six kills. "We knew we needed to push harder (in the fifth set). I guess that paid off."

Prior to the final set, the No. 6-ranked Lady Eagles (21-8 overall, 1-0 district) appeared to be reeling after dropping the previous game 25-20.

In the fourth set, neither squad was able to gain a lead of more than three points until Miles (21-9, 0-1) went on a mini run after holding a 20-19 advantage.

The Lady Bulldogs gained some insurance points thanks to Bailey Halfmann and Sloan Riddle, who combined for three straight points to increase Miles' lead to 23-19 before closing out the set.

"I think they were excited at that point," Miles head coach Richelle Wilson said. "They wanted it, and they knew they could do it."

The excitement carried over into the fifth set as the Lady Bulldogs jumped out to a 5-3 lead until Sterling City knotted things up at 5-5 and 6-6.

That's when Ashlynn Kilpatrick asserted herself into the match, making one of her four blocks to give Sterling City an 8-7 lead, which would never be relinquished thanks to the help of another teammate.

Cassidy Doggett, the Lady Eagles libero, also made a big play by diving to the ground to keep a point alive. The 5-foot-6 senior used all of her wingspan to reach out and deflect the ball back to one of her waiting teammates.

Her efforts resulted in the Lady Eagles taking a 13-9 lead, and she increased that margin with a service ace for a 14-9 lead that put her team on the brink of a big win.

"We've been working on that in practice, finishing games," Sterling City head coach Amelia Reeves said. "We've been doing a lot of competitions related to that. And I could see it in their eyes. They weren't going to let this win go."

Sterling City senior Lauren Pittillo said there was also some urgency to bounce back following a three-set loss earlier in the week.

"We were real ready for this game after the sweep to Grape Creek on Tuesday," said Pittillo, who tallied 11 kills. "We knew it would probably go to five sets because Miles is good competition. They're our favorite team to play in our district. It's a huge win for us."

On the other side of the court, the Lady Bulldogs will look to bounce back with a Tuesday match at Bronte.

Miles earned solid performances from its usual cast of playmakers -- Bailey Halfmann (23 digs, 14 kills), Sloan Riddle (12 kills), Clay Braden (24 assists) and Halie Hoffman (19 digs).

While the Lady Bulldogs' fight until the end was valiant, Wilson admitted she's hoping some practice will eliminate costly service errors for the next time they face off with Sterling City.

"We've talked a lot about that mental toughness, and I think the girls have it," Wilson said. "We don't care what the score is. We play point for point. ... They were ready to go out there and keep fighting."

"Obviously, we're not happy with the way the match turned out. But I think we fought hard."

Round 2 between Miles and Sterling City will be Oct. 14 in Miles.

STERLING CITY DEF. MILES

25-12, 12-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13

Sterling City stats: Assists -- MaHaley Long 32. Aces -- MaHaley Long 2, Shelby Sparks 1, Tania Herrera 1, Cassidy Doggett 1. Kills -- Lauren Pittillo 11, Kailee Woods 8, Autumn Kilpatrick 6, Ashlynn Kilpatrick 5, MaHaley Long 1, Brittany Rauch 1. Blocks -- Autumn Kilaptrick 4, Ashlynn Kilpatrick 4, Brittany Rauch 2. Records -- Sterling City is 21-8 overall, 1-0 District 7-2A; Miles is 21-9, 0-1.

Miles stats: Digs -- Bailey Halfmann 23, Halie Hoffman 19, Sierra Brandon 10, Faith Sanchez 8, Skye Hoffman 8, Clay Braden 5, Sloan Riddle 4, Madi Wilson 4, Shleby Hohenssee 3, Brooklyn Halfmann 2. Assists -- Clay Braden 24, Faith Sanchez 16, Brooklyn Halfmann 1. Aces -- Bailey Halfmann 2, Faith Sanchez 2, Halie Hoffman 1. Kills -- Bailey Halfmann 14, Sloan Riddle 12, Hannah Wilson 4, Brooklyn Halfmann 2, Shelby Hohensee 1, Sierra Brandon 1. Blocks -- Hannah Wilson 3, Sloan 1, Bailey Halfmann 1.

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