The Hitchcock-Tulare Patriots battled throughout four competitive sets but came up short against the Sanborn Central-Woonsocket Blackhawks, falling 19-25, 23-25, 25-19, 24-26. The loss moves the Patriots to 14-14 with two regular-season matches remaining.
The opening set saw the teams trade points before the Blackhawks put together a late run to secure a 25-19 victory.
Set two remained close throughout, with the Patriots staying within reach. A couple of costly errors down the stretch, however, helped the Blackhawks claim a 25-23 win and a two-set advantage.
Facing a must-win third set, Hitchcock-Tulare continued to battle point for point with the home team. Despite a late push by the Blackhawks, the Patriots delivered key plays to earn a 25-19 victory and extend the match.
The Patriots showed their resilience again in set four, rallying from a deficit of as many as six points. Hitchcock-Tulare took the lead late and had an opportunity to force a deciding fifth set, but a couple of untimely errors allowed the Blackhawks to close out the set, 26-24, and take the match.
Emmerie Arthurs led the Patriots’ attack with 18 kills, while Paige McNeely added 10. Brynn Binger distributed 24 assists, and Laina Puffer finished with 14.
Hitchcock-Tulare recorded nine service aces, led by McNeely with four and Puffer with two. Olivia Knox paced the defense with 14 digs. Arthurs and Kaylie LaBrie each contributed 13 digs, while Puffer added 12. At the net, Tess Bixler recorded four block assists, and Rylee Knock added three.
The Patriots return home to host Sully Buttes tomorrow night in Hitchcock for Parents Night. The evening will feature JV and varsity matches only, with JV beginning at 6:00 p.m. and varsity to follow.