This past Thursday the sixth seeded Tyrone Lady Eagles got off to a strong start in the opening round AA District 6 playoffs with a 3-0 win at home against the eleventh seeded Penn Cambria Panthers.

“This game was important because it got rid of some of the butterflies,” said senior Bri Foy, “it will allow us to play more confidently leading into tougher matches.” 

The Eagles took control of the first set early, playing a crisp game. The Panthers swings were no match for the Eagles’ defense as outside hitters Bri Foy and Reagan Irons kept the ball from touching the floor all night, with a total of 23 digs. The Lady Eagles easily took first the set 25-14.

The Panthers fought much harder in the second set with much scrappier defense, challenging the Eagles’ pin hitters. The second set went back and forth, and it seemed like Penn Cambria was about to take the set when Tyrone junior Makenna Bauer made several key kills that the Panthers couldn’t touch.

Bauer had an incredible night with a whopping 20 kills to carry the Eagles.

The Eagles took the second set 25-22.

In the third set, the Lady Eagles took control of the third set right from the start, keeping the lead the whole set. The Lady Eagles played more in system, allowing middle hitter, Courtney Williams, to score some big swings, adding to her total of 8. The Eagles kept the momentum and the Panthers couldn’t fight back. The Eagles came out on top 25-16.

“We played a clean game and made very little mistakes. Our mentality was focused and we didn’t give them easy points. This type of playing is essential to make it all the way to Districts,” said junior Courtney Williams. 

The Lady Eagles will travel to number three seeded Cambria Heights tonight for the quarterfinal round of playoffs.  The match starts at 7pm.