Titans split matches with West Central, Pierre
The Tea Area Titan volleyball team split a pair of matches last week, falling to West Central at home before bouncing back with a sweep of Pierre on the road for their first win of the season.
Tea Area hosted West Central on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with the Trojans earning a hard-fought 3-1 victory by scores of 25-12, 25-18, 20-25 and 25-23.
West Central jumped out to a quick 7-1 lead in the opening set and extended its advantage to 14-5 and later 19-9 before taking the set 25-12.
The Trojans again came out strong in the second set, opening with an 8-1 advantage. Tea Area regrouped and battled back to pull within a point at 10-9. West Central responded with a 7-2 run to regain control at 17-11 before going on to win 25-18.
The Titans answered in the third set. After trailing 5-3 early, Tea Area built a 20-13 lead. West Central cut the deficit to three at 21-18, but the Titans held on to take the set 25-20 and extend the match.
Tea Area carried that momentum into the fourth set, taking early leads of 6-3, 11-7 and 15-11. The Trojans then rallied with an 8-3 run to take their first lead of the set at 19-18. The Titans answered with three consecutive points to move back in front 21-19. West Central battled back to tie the set at 23-23 before scoring the final two points to secure the 25-23 win and the match.
Tea Area returned to action Thursday, Sept. 3, traveling to Pierre and earning its first victory of the season with a 3-0 sweep of the Governors, 25-19, 25-18 and 25-11.
The Titans controlled the match throughout, although Pierre remained within striking distance during the opening two sets. Tea Area gradually created separation late in each set before pulling away in the third.
The Titans’ offense was led by Remington Bechard, who recorded 11 kills, while Aundrea Russell added 10 kills.
Tea Area also produced 15 service aces in the match, including five from Chloe Christensen.
With the victory, Tea Area improved to 1-2 on the season, while Pierre dropped to 0-3.
The Titans were scheduled to return to the court Tuesday, Sept. 8, against Sioux Falls Roosevelt before hosting Sioux Falls O’Gorman on Thursday, Sept. 10.