NEW MADISON – The Tri-Village volleyball team hosted back-to-back home games on Monday and Tuesday. The Patriot fell to a good Miami East team on Monday but rebounded with a league win over Franklin Monroe on senior night.
Tri-Village currently owns an 11-8 overall record and is 8-1 in the WOAC for sole possession of 2nd place one game back from undefeated Arcanum.
On Monday the Patriots battled Miami East but came up short in late game situations with the Vikings winning in straight sets.
Miami East was just one of a number of tougher out of conference games to help the Patriots learn to compete at a higher level that also included West Liberty Salem, Alter, Minster, Lehman Catholic and Fort Recovery.
“Miami East is just a great team, we have a pretty tough non-conference schedule to begin with and to be able to play them towards the end of the season I am thankful for that, as it helps prepare us to get ready for post season tournament,” Tri-Village coach Alaine Kirby stated.
“I felt like our seniors really played well tonight. Claire Royer, Bailey Frech, and Gabby Kirby were strong at the net, they had multiple blocks. We also had some great sets from Zoe Ayette, and Mylee Bierly played well from the back row. All five of our seniors really stepped up, we just need some of our younger kids to play with more confidence and I believe we can win some of these tight games down the stretch.” Kirby added.
The Patriots would shine on Tuesday night for a successful senior night win over Franklin Monroe in four sets 25-21, 25-8, 22-25 and 25-17.
In that match Zoe Ayette led the way with 15 digs and had 39 assists. She now has over 400 on the year and is nearing 1500 assist in her career. Mylee Bierly had 24 digs and also closing in on 1500 career digs. Gabby Kirby hammered home 29 Kills to add to her school record as the all-time kills leader now with over 750.
The Patriots will try and close out league play at Bradford on Thursday, host Tri-County North on Saturday and finish up at National Trail next Thursday before starting tournament play.
