Volleyball Recap: Dynamic Duo of Ava Kuchar and Jaidyn Smutny Lead Battle Creek to Victory

Battle Creek posted their closest win since October 10, 2024 on Tuesday. They narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Ponca Indians 3-2. That's more bragging rights for the Braves, who also won the pair's last head-to-head.

Battle Creek got the W, but it wasn't easy, at least in the first set. The match finished with set scores of 28-30, 25-20, 25-19, 24-26, 15-7.

Leading Battle Creek to victory were Jaidyn Smutny and Ava Kuchar. Smutny had 27 digs and four assists, while Kuchar had six digs and three aces. That's the most digs Smutny has posted since back in November of 2024.

They weren't the only good server: Battle Creek was lethal from the service line and finished the game with 12 aces. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Ponca only served six aces.

Despite the loss, Ponca still got an impressive performance from Oliva Taylor, who had 22 digs and two aces.

The win made it two in a row for Battle Creek and bumps their season record up to 5-2. As for Ponca, their loss was their eighth straight on the road dating back to last season, which dropped their record down to 0-5.

Looking ahead, Battle Creek will welcome Norfolk Catholic at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. As for Ponca, they will face off against Laurel-Concord-Coleridge at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.