It wasn’t easy. But it will work.
Spanish Springs pushed its winning streak to nine on Tuesday with a 25-15, 19-25, 25-15, 17-25, 15-13 victory at third-place Reno.
The win gave increasing significance to the Cougars’ match at second-place McQueen on Thursday. The winner will take the High Desert League lead (and will own the tiebreaker) with just one match remaining in the regular season.
The five-set test on Tuesday was something relatively new for the Cougs, who swept their previous six opponents in straight sets.
“We just didn’t play well,” Spanish Springs coach Frank Sandomenico said. “I thought we played hard, just not that well.”
The Cougars trailed 8-4 in the deciding fifth set. Enter Delaney Spinks to the service stripe.
The junior went on a roll that led to the determining 15-13 win.
“She (Spinks) went to service line and went on incredible run,” Sandomenico said. “She just turned the game around.”
Spinks finished with a pair of the team’s 16 aces and was a force at the net, turning in a team-high seven blocks to go along with a pair of kills.
Outside hitter Emily Moore led the Cougs with 14 kills. Kennedey Stroshine and Olivia Galletti both got up 12 digs. And Mackenzie O’Connell passed out 35 assists.
Thursday’s pivotal match at McQueen begins at 6 p.m.
The Cougars swept the Lancers 25-17, 27-25, 25-20 at home on Oct. 6 in the two team’s only previous meeting.
Reed on first winning streak of season
It’s been a bumpy season for the Raiders. But after Tuesday night’s 25-17, 25-15, 25-17 road sweep of Hug, the road is feeling a little smoother.
Reed improved to 4-17, 3-10 and is in the midst of its first winning streak of the season, a three-gamer.
Ashley Leighton got up 15 digs. Jensen Paris turned in seven kills. And Kaylee Carlson served four aces in the sweep.
The Raiders can secure the High Desert League’s fourth-and-final playoff spot with a win Thursday night at home against North Valleys. First serve is at 6 p.m.
Reed swept North Valleys 25-20, 25-16, 25-18 on the road Monday night in a makeup match.
Warriors’ struggles continue
Excel Christian went on the road Tuesday night and was swept 25-8, 25-8, 25-8 at Sierra Lutheran.
The Warriors are yet to win a match this fall.
With just four matches left, Excel will look to pick up its first win of the season Wednesday night at Sage Ridge.
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