Davenport defeats Reardan in five sets

REARDAN - The Davenport Gorillas volleyball team handed the Screaming Eagles their second five set loss in three days. Davenport's squad consisting mostly of eighth and ninth graders won the Oct. 11 match 19-25, 25-18, 26-24, 19-25, 15-9.

Davenport took a 10-2 lead in the first set before Reardan gained momentum behind Emma Flaa's two aces, and Liberty Anderson's kill, which tied the game at 11. Reardan maintained a comfortable lead after that.

In the second and third sets, Davenport played disciplined defense. Thanks to Tatum Hupp and Selah Hupp, the ball rarely hit the floor. On offense, Emalie Jacoby distributed the ball to the Gorillas' scorers, mostly to Chloe Hammond who kept the Screaming Eagles on their heels with her powerful kill shots.

Long volleys highlighted the fourth set. It went to the Screaming Eagles, thanks to Coalie Whitman's assists and Flaa and Liz Bell's aces and kill shots.

The Gorillas jumped to an early lead in the final set and cruised to a decisive 15-9 victory.

After the game, Hammond expressed how proud she was of her team. She was pleased with her effort as well as that of her teammates.

"I am glad we were able to win such a close game. It was so much fun to be able to beat our rival," Hammond said.

Davenport coach Heather Jacoby said the work the team puts in during practice prepared them for this game and its outcome reflects the high standards she sets for the team.

"The girls work hard and are driven. They accept any role that is given to them."

Jacoby led the Gorilla's offense with 27 assists. Hammond had 14 kills and Naomi Rainwater added nine more, along with five aces. Defensively, both Hupps had 18 assists and Faith Suttenfield had nine blocks.

Whitman led Reardan with 29 assists. Flaa and Bell had 15 and eight assists respectively. Bell had 23 digs and Anderson contributed 17.

The Gorillas victory improved their league record to 4-3. The Screaming Eagles fell to 3-4. Both teams are in action Oct. 13. Reardan will be in Chewelah to play Jenkins and Davenport will be

hosting St. George's.