Morris Volleyball Bounces Back, Defeats Plainfield Central 3-1

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown on July 17, 2023, the Morris volleyball team overcame a tough first-set loss to secure a decisive 3-1 victory against Plainfield Central. The match showcased resilience and exceptional teamwork, making it a must-watch for volleyball fans.

The opening set was a marathon, with the Wildcats pulling off a dramatic win at 32-30. However, Morris quickly regrouped, dominating the subsequent sets 25-15 and 25-13 to clinch the nonconference match.

Tessa Shannon emerged as a standout performer for Morris, delivering an impressive nine kills and two blocks. Her pivotal contributions were felt deeply in the second set, where she helped the team surge from a 10-10 tie to a commanding lead.

“We’ve struggled with the first set a lot this season,” Shannon noted after the match. “But we have been able to dig our way out of it. There is so much talent on this team.”

Shannon’s performance included a key service run that propelled Morris to a commanding 24-13 lead in the second set, effectively sealing the match’s momentum. Morris, now 7-3 for the season, showed their depth, with Hannah Linn leading the team with 12 kills and Brooke Thorson contributing 16 assists.

Plainfield Central, despite their 2-8 record, displayed determination, especially in the first set where they raced to a 9-2 advantage. Coach Bob Richardson praised his team’s effort, particularly highlighting the performance of freshman Abby Barrios, who recorded eight kills and showed promise for the future.

“The first set was probably our best set of the year as far as serve receive,” Richardson said. “If we can limit our runs to 2-3 points instead of 6-7, we’ll be in better shape.”

Morris coach Scott Howell made strategic lineup changes after the first set, which included inserting Thorson at setter, a decision that paid off. “It was really good to see Tessa step up,” Howell commented. “There was something about Hannah Linn in warmups that made me think she would have a big match.”

As the match progressed, Morris’s ability to adapt and dominate became evident, showcasing their potential as a formidable contender this season. The victory not only boosts team morale but also emphasizes their capacity to recover from setbacks.

Looking ahead, both teams will aim to build on this experience, with Morris focusing on maintaining their winning momentum while Plainfield Central seeks to improve consistency in upcoming matches. Fans can expect more exciting volleyball action as both teams continue to develop their skills and strategies in the weeks ahead.