By: Alec Eskin
Bishop Shanahan was the number one team in District One coming into this heavyweight matchup with Garnet Valley. The Eagles had only lost to Pope John Paul coming in, but they left the 2020 Center with two as Garnet Valley swept them in three sets. Garnet Valley improves to 15-2 while Shanahan falls to 12-2. Lets go into a recap of both teams’ nights . . .
Garnet Valley arguably had its best game of the year. They were able to take care of business and more against a really good team. Maddie Wood once again gave Garnet Valley a huge assist (actually many assists) as she collected 32 in the game. Kate Dugery and Kiara Zakanan both had eight kills and Dugery had three blocks to go along with that. They were a strong wall the entire night as they did not let much get by them. Finally, the defense led by Rachel Sokalsky, Leah Ellis, Maddie Snelrove, and Steph May all made a massive impact on the game as Shanahan never eclipsed 20 in a set. Overall, a really impressive and efficient night overall for the Jaguars.
Shanahan had trouble with serves as they had a large amount in the first and second set that did not get over. However, their offense looked very good also as they were able to place the ball perfectly many times where a Jaguar could not get it. Maddie Rudolph led the way up front as she had a multitude of kills for the Eagles. This is a team that is very good and will make the necessary adjustments. This will not be the last that everyone hears from them as it is expected they will make it deep into the District One playoffs. So maybe, we might see a rematch of these two teams.
Garnet Valley will play their final game on Monday at home against Radnor. Shanahan will play against Lower Merion at home on Saturday as they have three games remaining in the season to Garnet Valley’s one. This should be a very exciting end to the 2021 regular season of volleyball.
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