Marist Catholic Rolls over Lady Falcons in Conference Opener

The 11th ranked Marist Lady Spartans finally began playing to their ranking, defeating a pesky Elmira squad 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, and 25-22).  It was the Spartans' first victory and raised their record to 1-5 on the season.

The Lady Falcons weren't able to make a serious run at Marist until the third game as the Lady Spartans kept Elmira at arms length in the first two games.   Senior Carly Grossmiller awoke in the third game sparking the Elmira rally with 6 kills.

The Falcons' Maranda Hanson goes up for a kill in Elmira's 3-0 loss to #11Marist Catholic at Elmira High School, Thursday September 13.  Photo: Kimberly Lillie 

Carly and Maranda (Hanson) had great games," head coach Sarah Wartenbee said in an email.  "My setters (Josie Dickson, Sydney Green, and Annie Carpenter) hustled tremendously and did an excellent job of taking control of the ball even if the first pass wasn't on point.  Azzy Lane did a great job serving, in the back row, and does everything that is asked of her"

However, the Falcons had no answer for 6-1 outside hitter Britney Duvall who dominated the second and third games with 9 kills in the final game including the final four Spartan points to send Marist to the shut out victory. 

Sophomore Josie Dickson serves as Mallory Bailey waits during the Falcons' 3-0 loss to Marist Thursday Septemeber 13.  Photo: Kimberly Lillie

"We have things to work on as a team and as individual team mates," Wartenbee explained.  "We have a lot of ability, but just need to put all the pieces together."