WAYNESBORO, Pa. — The Waynesboro Maidens varsity volleyball team couldn’t have scripted the start of Thursday’s match against visiting Cedar Cliff. In fact, they couldn’t have hoped for a better ending to their home opener.
“It feels good. I think the girls were excited to play on their home court and especially getting a win under their belts,” said Waynesboro coach Emily Nystrom.
Right from the start, Waynesboro’s Maddie Nystrom served up 10 consecutive points, and after some back-and-forth play, the Maidens wrapped up a 25-6 first-set win. Waynesboro held off the Colts in game two by the score of 25-17 and clinched the sweep with a 25-13 victory.
“I told them before we came out for this match that we have to get our serves in the court,” Nystrom said. “That’s probably one of (Maddie’s) best fortes in volleyball is her serving. Tuesday night she served 10 straight. That’s why I start with her.”
Maddie Nystrom served up three aces and got plenty of help up front from the middle and outside hitters. She also registered a nifty one-handed dig to keep the ball in play that resulted in the 10th point.
Kara Eskridge, Bryn Reed and Sarah Aldrich formed a solid wall of hitters at the net. Kayaunna Mouer provided strong libero support by not allowing Cedar Cliff’s returns or serves to find the floor. Same with Chloe Shacreaw.
“I really take my hat off to our three returning varsity players, who are our captains (Aldrich, Nystrom and Shacreaw),” the coach said. “They all three are very knowledgeable of the game. They know the game, they know how to play the game, and I just think their communication out there on the court with the other girls carries the game.”
The Maidens trailed in the second set 5-3 but gathered momentum to take a 10-6 lead on the strength again of strong serving by Aldrich and skilled net play. The Colts eventually tied the set at 12 and were down 15-13 when Waynesboro went on a 10-4 run to end the game.
The Maidens had to fend off Cedar Cliff early in the third set as they held a 10-9 advantage and then pulled away with Bryn Reed on serve. Reed served for seven straight points, resulting in an 18-9 lead. The Maidens went on to score seven of the final nine points to seal the deal.
In fitting fashion, Ruby Beck served an ace to end the match.
Waynesboro entered the contest 1-2, having lost the first two matches to South Western and Spring Grove. The Maidens defeated Carlisle on Tuesday.
The next two matches are on the road against West Perry on Tuesday and Gettysburg on Thursday, before coming home to face Red Lion on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Photos by Toya McCleary:
