Lansdowne High’s volleyball team came out with a purpose Tuesday, sweeping Dundalk, 25-20, 25-21 and 25-12, in a Baltimore County Division I contest.
Coming off a loss to Perry Hall the day before where the Vikings (4-3, 4-2 Division I) squandered a 2-0 advantage, Lansdowne refused Dundalk (4-3, 4-3 Division I) any momentum Tuesday, allowing the host to lead just four times in the first two games.
“It was important for them to come back from the loss yesterday and they played strong,” Lansdowne coach Jamie Izdebski said. “There were some close games, but they pulled it together in tight situations.”
The teams tied 10 times in the first two games, including a 19-19 deadlock in the opening game. But terrific serving from Kelli Pease and a crucial kill from Andrea Henry handed the Vikings close wins.
Tied at 10 in the game three, Lansdowne broke through with Ashlie Smith serving on 11 straight points including a 23rd point ace to send the Vikings to the sweep.
“Your team is counting on you to keep it up,” Smith said of her serving runs, “and if you are up by as much as we were, it is very important to not choke.”
Dundalk showed a lot of heart in keeping up with the Vikings, and crucial blocks from Kyleen Bluny and useful sets from Samantha Hartley were key factors in the close first two games.
“Today they worked more together,” Izdebski said. “Yesterday, they came out great in the first two games but then we deflated. Today, they were actually working together and talking more.”
The Vikings will “continue to work on communication with the team,” according to Izdebski, as they prepare for Milford Mill Thursday. Dundalk look to regroup again Loch Raven Thursday afternoon.
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