The Lady Eagles opened the playoff season with a win over rival Bellwood Antis last Thursday for the first round of the District playoffs.

The Lady Eagles started off hot in the first set, but in the second set, Bellwood adjusted very well, challenging Tyrone both offensively and defensively. Tyrone was able to adjust and took the match in four sets.

According to Tyrone Head Coach Alesha Weaver, her team’s pass and serve game as well as their aggressive defense were keys to the win.

She also credited her team’s response to losing the second set.

“Our ability to continue to complete when we are down [was key],”  Weaver said. “It was truly a team effort.”

Weaver was especially impressed by the play of junior outside hitter Kylee Nelson, who set the tone on offense with 19 kills, and 15 service points.

“Kylee’s volleyball IQ on ball placement is so high –  not only for herself but seeing the other side of the net when her teammates are swinging and being able to tell them where to place the ball. She creates the energy and celebrates not only herself but her teammates,” Weaver said.

“Abby Anthony had an amazing night defensively with 25 digs and 3 assists. Maddy Rockwell had 32 assists and 1 block, and Rylan Crowell had 15 kills and 19 digs,” Weaver said.

Tyrone earned multiple service points from Rockwell, Crowell, Anthony, Sarah Zimmerman, and Tiffanie Tuskovich.

Defensively the Lady Eagles were locked in. Nelson had 17 digs, Anthony had 22, and Crowell had 19.

Rockwell had the team in system most of the time allowing her hitters to put balls away and ended the night with 32 assists.

“The win against Bellwood was well deserved. We played them with a lot of energy and even though we had beat them weeks before we didn’t take them lightly,” junior Kylee Nelson said.

‘What led us to the win was our energy, anytime we play Bellwood it feels like my adrenaline is through the roof. We all play really really well,” Nelson said.

The Lady Eagles had a very strong mental game, they never had bad energy. They came into the game knowing what had to be done, so that they could advance.

Tyrone will play Forest Hills tonight, October 31 at Forest Hills.  The first serve is at 6 pm.