Lady Buffalos defend home court with sweep of Blu-Jays

Lady Buffalo hitter Grace Cullor returns a volley during the dual match with Pleasanton on Thursday, Sept. 24. (Photos by Billy Roudybush / Linn County Journal)

By Billy Roudybush

Journal contributor

The Pleasanton Blu-Jay volleyball team (3-10-2) walked into the gym at Prairie View on Thursday, Sept. 24, with one goal in mind: upset the Buffalos (5-7-1). In the first set of the dual match, both teams seemed tentative, making minor errors with a lack of aggressive play.

However, midway through the set, the Buffalos opened and their offense started clicking. With attacks by Grace Cullor, Gabbrianna Cullor and Aaralyn Osborn, the Buffalos opened up a lead. The Lady Blu-Jays'  defense, lead by Marie Neal-Cox and Olive Skipper, fought back. Pleasanton’s effort was not enough and they lost the first set 25-15. The hope for Pleasanton  was to take the second set.

Lady Blu-Jay hitter Olive Skipper gets the ball past the Prairie View defense.

The second set started with a back and forth, neither team able to pull away. Finally, the Buffalos attack overtook the Blu-Jays. The Buffalos didn’t look back. The Buffalos pulled ahead and finished the set with a 25-15 win.

Pleasanton’s back was against the wall in the best-of-five match.

Prairie View's Ashlyn Blevins blocks a return by Skipper.

The Lady Blu-Jays knew they had to win to stay alive in the match, and they pushed back harder than they had the previous two sets. In spite of Pleasanton’s efforts, the Buffalos pushed out to a lead.

Then with a gallant effort, the Buffalos finished the third set with a 25-17 score and won the match, 3-0

Blu-Jay Riley Hinton tries to hit past the defense of Ashlynn Blevins and Kadence Lueker.