The Chillicothe Lady Hornets volleyball had Thursday nights match at Savannah circled on the calendar since Savannah defeated Chillicothe in the district title game last season to prevent the Lady Hornets from claiming their first district title in program history. While a district championship was not on the line in this match, a chance at first place in the Midland Empire Conference was. Coach Lanie Beetsma has elevated the Lady Hornets volleyball program and Thursday night in Savannah, Chillicothe took another massive step towards their first MEC volleyball championship.
The Lady Hornets opened the match playing at an extremely high level against the Savages on their Pink Out night. The senior quartet for Chillicothe set the tone from the opening serve, Ava Leamer and Emerson Staton served well to give the Lady Hornets a lead, Carman Woodworth set up her teammates when pinpoint passes and Lyla Beetsma was relentlessly attacking the net. Chillicothe held a 13-7 advantage and was still ahead at 20-15 before Savannah made a late rally. The Savages stonewalled Chillicothe on a pair of set points, before taking their opportunity and sending the home crowd into a frenzy by pulling the first set out of the fire with a 27-25 come from behind win.
Savannah was ahead early in the 2nd set when one of their key players, senior middle hitter Ambi Jones injured her ankle. Jones had to be helped off the court and did not return to the match. The Savages still led late in the set at 19-14 then Chillicothe made their late push. With Savannah offering less size at the net, the Lady Hornets took advantage. Staton in the middle, along with Beetsma and Leamer on the outside plus Kami Snyder coming up with crucial block, propelled Chillicothe to a comeback win in the 2nd set. An inverse from the first, this time it was Chillicothe keeping Savannah at bay on a set point before taking over for a 27-25 victory.
Chillicothe kept the momentum going in the 3rd set, dominating from start to finish, winning 25-14. The Lady Savages showed some fight in the 4th set, but outside of Aryana Spry, Savannah did not have the firepower to stay with Chillicothe offensively. The Lady Hornets late surge in the 4th created the separation to close out the match with a 25-20 win.
Chillicothe dealt Savannah their first loss of the conference slate and now Chillicothe at 21-4 overall is two wins away from claiming at least a share of the MEC title. Chillicothe, Savannah and Bishop Leblond each now have one conference loss, so if the Lady Hornets are able to defeat Benton, and Maryville next week they will be able to lay claim as MEC champs for the first time ever.