The Magnolia Lady Eagles fought off a gallant effort by the host Lady Pilots to win in three sets of volleyball action at the Spike Out Cancer event, 26-24, 25-0, and 25-18. Erin Clegg had 16 points behind the strength of six aces and a hustling team effort.

Clegg also had a game-high six blocks, while teammate Mallory “Bam-Bam” Chapman had 15 points, three aces, 10 digs, four blocks, and blasted eight kills to pace a very impressive victory.

The Eagles defense became their offense as Clegg, Chapman, Hillary Feldmeier, Emily Clegg, and Lauren Cline saved numerous attacks by the Lady Pilot front line.

For the Pilots, Annie Turner had 22 assists, with Jensen Caretti leading the way with 15 kills. Turner, Leslie Young, Mackenzie Marshall, and Brielle Williams teamed with 13 kills.

With all the attacks from the Pilots and Blue Eagle front line, the referees had to stop the game and put air back into the ball that leaked out from all the pounding the Lady Pilots and Eagles put on it.

Besides the eight kills by Chapman, Kiera Standiford added six, while Katie Blatt drilled the game-winner in the first set.

The statisticians had their work cut out, as those figures changed rapidly. The law of physics could be transformed into the array of emotions felt during this contest, where the ball flew furiously back and forth across the net.

The first set appeared too hot to handle until Blatt came off the bench to drill the game winner. In the second set, the Eagles jumped out in front quickly, only to see the Pilots come back and take the lead midway in the second set.

However, Magnolia took advantage of Caretti’s absence from the front line to make a run, and ultimately get the win.

For Magnolia, Feldmeier followed Chapman and Erinn Clegg with 15 points and seven digs, while Cline added 12 points and three aces. Ashley Moore contributed nine points and six aces.

For the Lady Pilots, Hannah Jones had a remarkable 24 digs, while Monica Curtis added 10 digs. Marshall was credited with nine digs and Mackenzie Wade had seven, with both Young and Turner each making three digs. Around the net, Caretti blocked six Eagle shots, while Jones and Mikayla Cieszeski both stopped one. At the line, Brittany Harrigan contributed two service aces.

All told there were 21 blocks, 42 kills, and 40 assists in the game, with 75 digs. Not bad for a three-set match.