GREENVILLE — The Greenville Lady Wave overcame a slow start to sweep the visiting Piqua Lady Indians 25-18, 25-13, 25-20 in Miami Valley League volleyball action.
Greenville trailed 10-6 in the opening set before a timeout helped the Lady Wave regroup.
Greenville used a 6-2 run to pull even at 12-12, but Piqua answered with three consecutive points to regain the lead at 15-12.
The Lady Wave responded by scoring seven unanswered points to take a 19-15 advantage before closing out the opening set, 25-18.
“Once they picked it up, I told them they’re really building something special,” Greenville veteran coach Michelle Hardesty said. “They’ve been working hard this first half of the season, and they’re turning it on. I’m so proud of them.”
Greenville carried its momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 13-7 lead. The Lady Wave extended the lead to 22-11 before earning a 25-13 victory and taking a 2-0 match lead.
Hardesty praised Avery Shipp and Hailey Gillespie’s play at the net.
“Shipp has been pretty much unstoppable in her last couple of matches,” Hardesty said. “It’s a mentality that just seemed to click. Haley Gillespie is the same way. She has turned on that beast mode.”
Greenville opened the third set with leads of 5-0 and 11-4 before Piqua battled back to make it 17-13, prompting a Lady Wave timeout.
The Lady Indians pulled within two points at 18-16, but Greenville sophomore Jordyn McMullen came off the bench and delivered a key string of serves. The Lady Wave regained control and completed the sweep with a 25-20 victory.
“She is such an athlete,” Hardesty said of McMullen. “She doesn’t get a lot of varsity time, and we’re working with her through her JV action and swinging. I trust putting her in the game. It was a good move on our part.”
Hardesty credited the victory to a complete team effort.
“Aly Hamilton had a nice game, and the setters were locked in,” she said. “Kara Blumenstock, our libero, did a nice job defensively. Aubrey Baumgardner and Lizzie Shaffer did their part, too. Mackenzie Legenzoff came in and had some great blocks.”
Hardesty also praised senior captain Megan Loudy for her leadership and willingness to communicate with match officials.
“She’s a tremendous athlete,” Hardesty said. “I’ll send her over and instruct her to ask this or ask that. She goes back, gets the explanation and might even argue with them a little bit.”
Hardesty said the Lady Wave’s defensive coverage and blocking reflected the team’s growing confidence.
“They’re doing a lot of things right defensively,” she said. “They’re right there covering each other. There’s always room for improvement, but they’re building something special. I like the direction we’re heading.”
With the win, Greenville improves to 7-5 overall and 5-3 in MVL play.
