PENDLETON–The Pendleton Heights volleyball team is in the middle of a stretch of 11 matches in eight days, including two tournaments. While the fatigue showed at times, there were positives to take from Tuesday’s match against a strong team from Noblesville.
Maddie Hine handed out 33 assists and Emily Kiser put away 11 kills as Noblesville beat the Arabians 25-21, 25-12, 25-21.
It was the second loss in as many nights at home for Pendleton Heights (5-4), but coach Blair Barksdale saw improvement from her players, who she admitted are feeling the effects of six matches in the last four days.
“It was much better than last night,” Barksdale said, referring to a three set loss to Westfield. “We had a lot of unforced errors last night, so the fact that they came out that first set, minimized errors and competed, I was happy with the way we bounced back from last night against a good team tonight.”
The Arabians came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 9-3 lead, and led for much of the first set until a late run by the Millers gave Noblesville the lead for good at 20-19.
Pendleton Heights had a lead in every set, but could not keep up with the talented Noblesville (3-0) squad.
“We were right with them, then they go on a five or six point run,” Barksdale said. “Then we go to the service line and get one, then they get three or four more. You’re never going to win if you keep giving up those big runs.”
One area that has been improving has been the timing between sophomores Aubree Dwiggins, Averi Lanman, and Gracie King. Dwiggins had 20 assists with King being the chief beneficiary with nine kills. Lanman added six kills.
“We haven’t had a lot of practice time,” Barksdale said. “I’m excited to get back in the gym with Aubree. She’s going to be good by the end of the year. The timing is much better since the start of the year.”
Senior Brinkley Gary added five kills for the Arabians who open Hoosier Heritage Conference play Thursday with a 7:30 match at Mt. Vernon.
“I’m excited,” Barksdale said. “Another young team, but they’re always a very good program.”
