Lincoln Christian perseveres through missing players and new rotations, rallying back in a five set win over Rejoice Christian.
The Bulldogs and Eagles started the first set neck and neck, evening the game at 7-7. Both teams stayed within a point of each other until around midway through the set, when the Eagles eventually pulled away. Rejoice took the first set, beating the Bulldogs 25-20. Isabella Rollandini and Hannah Clayton led the set with 3.0 kills each, with Bailee Gillion/Rollandini leading the team in digs with 4.0.
Lincoln wasted no time in the second set, jumping to an early 6-2 lead over the Eagles. The Bulldogs extended the lead further, getting a 11-4 margin midway through the set. Lincoln was able to stiff arm an Eagles comeback attempt, winning the set 25-18. Audrey Foster led the set in kills (6.0) and digs (5.0), while Bailee Gillion and Micalah Reed led the set in aces (1.0).
Rejoice started to distance themselves from the Bulldogs in the third set, coming out to a 13-7 lead. The Bulldogs came back however, eventually tying the game at 17-17. The two teams went back and forth for the last points of the set, but the Eagles eventually came out on top 25-20. Audrey Foster led the set in kills (5.0), Jaden Katsis led the set in digs (7.0) and Bailee Gillion led the set in aces (3.0).
With their backs against the wall the Bulldogs dominated the fourth set, getting out to a 15-5 lead early and eventually winning 25-14 to force a game deciding fifth set. Audrey Foster led the set in kills with 4.0, Jessica Kaste led the set in digs with 7.0 and Bailee Gillion led the team in aces with 3.0 for the set.
The Eagles and Bulldogs started the set neck and neck, as the teams were locked at 6-6. The Bulldogs took a small lead however, going up 12-8 over the Eagles. Rejoice started to apply pressure late in the set, cutting their deficit to 12-11. Lincoln eventually pulled away however, ending the thriller 15-13. Olivia Tucker and Bella Rollandini led the set in kills (4.0), with Rollandini also leading the set in digs with 8.0.
Multiple Bulldogs stepped up in new spots in this game, which ultimately led to Lincoln winning the five setter. The game leaders in kills were Audrey Foster with 15.0, Bella Rollandini with 12.0 and Olivia Tucker with 9.0. Rollandini (20.0), Jessica Kaste (16.0) and Jaden Katsis (15.0) led the team in digs, with Bailee Gillion leading the team in aces with 7.0. Jessica Kaste had a good game setting, picking up 42.0 assists while Micalah Reed picked up the most blocks with 4.0. Lincoln will travel to play the state-contending Verdigris Cardinals on Thursday.
