Glendale hosted the Warriors for its final game of the season Oct. 15. West Branch won the match in four sets, 25-19, 25-15, 18-25 and 25-4.
The Warriors were led by Lindsey Bainey, who had 19 digs and 20 receptions. Emily Shingledecker also had 16 receptions, and Alexis Bush recorded 41 assists to reach 500 career assists. Junior Kaitlyn Bucha said,
The first set began with the Warriors on serve receive. After an immediate side-out for West Branch, the back-and-forth battle began. Kayli Thompson increased the score from 4-4 to 10-4 with a six-point service run before the Vikings regained possession. The battle continued as Glendale tried to build momentum. A timeout was called with the Warriors leading 20-16. West Branch continued to push, and Shingledecker ended the set with a kill.
West Branch began the second set with a 2-0 lead on Bainey’s serve. After a side-out by the Vikings, Shingledecker served for two more points. The teams rallied until Bush recorded two consecutive aces, followed by a kill from Shingledecker. Four more points extended West Branch’s lead to 14-7. Back-to-back kills from Bucha and Lexie Mulhollem helped the Warriors extend their lead. The two players combined for four more kills as West Branch won the set, 25-15.
The third set marked a turnaround for the Vikings. They began with a three-point lead before West Branch earned a side-out. The set became a close battle as both teams fought for control. Head coach Terry Trude called a timeout in an attempt to disrupt Glendale’s momentum. However, the Vikings continued to push, forcing the Warriors to fight for each point. West Branch battled but fell short, losing the set, 25-18.
The Warriors responded in the final set. Bainey opened with a two-point service run, followed by Shingledecker, who served for seven more points. After the Vikings earned a point, West Branch regained possession with a side-out. Addy Danko then scored eight points, and Manahan added six. The Warriors dominated the set, winning 25-4 to secure the match.
