Bella Clevenger Inspires as Princeton Triumphs Over Hall in Three Sets

In a thrilling match on March 15, 2024, the Princeton High School volleyball team secured a hard-fought victory against rival Hall High School, winning in three sets with scores of 25-19, 21-25, and 25-10. The match was held during breast cancer awareness night, adding emotional significance for players and fans alike.

Among the standout figures was Bella Clevenger, a 16-year-old junior at Princeton and a cancer survivor. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of two, Clevenger has been cancer-free for over ten years. She played an integral part off the bench and shared her journey during the match. “Not only did I have cancer, but my great-grandmother, whom I love, had breast cancer as well. She’s still with us,” Clevenger stated, reflecting on the importance of the evening.

The atmosphere intensified as Hall’s seniors, Caroline Morris and Natalia Zamora, presented Clevenger with a rose and a hug, highlighting her resilience and strength. Clevenger expressed her gratitude, saying, “It was very special. I don’t like to bring attention to it, but it was just nice I was included.”

Princeton’s coach, Andy Puck, praised Clevenger’s courage and the broader message of overcoming adversity that sports can convey. “This girl and her family had to push through adversity in life, had to deal with things we’ve never even come close to experiencing,” he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the night.

The match itself showcased a competitive spirit, especially in the second set, where Hall rallied to tie the match after initially losing the first set. Hall surged ahead with strong plays, including a significant kill by Zamora that helped them lead 17-12. Princeton responded with powerful hits from Keighley Davis and Keely Lawson, ultimately tying the score at 20. Despite Hall’s efforts, they clinched the second set, forcing a decisive third.

In the final set, Princeton demonstrated superior teamwork and strategy. They quickly established a lead, executing two separate 6-0 runs that propelled them to an impressive 24-8 advantage. The match concluded with a hitting error from Hall, sealing their fate at 25-10.

Puck reflected on his team’s performance, noting their tactical adjustments. “We played smarter and not harder. We started blocking 1-on-1 instead of having two blockers. We just seemed a lot more disciplined,” he explained.

On the other hand, Hall’s coach, Carolyn Foster, acknowledged her team’s fatigue in the final set. “I thought we played well in the first two games, especially with our passing, but we just didn’t hit as well as I would have liked,” she stated. Foster emphasized the importance of focusing on the remaining season and preparing for the postseason.

Throughout the match, Princeton’s players demonstrated impressive statistics. Caroline Keutzer and Keely Lawson combined for a total of 22 kills, while Makayla Hecht contributed with 30 assists, reaching her milestone of 1,000 career assists earlier in the week.

As the evening concluded, the emotional and athletic triumph of both teams resonated, reinforcing the spirit of community and support during a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. Clevenger’s presence and story added a powerful layer to the match, showcasing that the fight against cancer extends beyond the court.