Shawano Community and Merrill squared off in some playoff action on Tuesday, but Shawano Community had to settle for second. They took a 3-1 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Bluejays. The Hawks were not able to repeat the success they had when they faced the Bluejays earlier this season, when they won 3-2.
Shawano Community started the match hot and won the first set, but they struggled down the stretch and lost the last three. Once all was said and done, the final score wound up at 21-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-18.
Natalie Bystol paced Shawano Community's offense, picking up 24 kills. Bystol were helped by London Bowman and Julia Stuber, who contributed 17 assists each. Jacey Cowden controlled things from the service line, finishing with three aces.
Leading Merrill to victory were Avery Hoock and Gabby Wheeler. Hoock had nine digs and four aces, while Wheeler had 11 digs and one assist. That's the most digs Wheeler has posted over her last seven matchups. Darby Bonnell also deserves some recognition as she served her first aces of the season.
Shawano Community's defeat was their third straight on the road, which dropped their record down to 15-23. As for Merrill, they now have a winning record of 16-15.
Shawano Community does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Merrill, they have already played their next contest, a 3-0 loss against Mosinee on the 23rd.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
