Bellefonte gets total team effort in sweep of Greater Johnstown

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: September 26, 2024

Bellefonte 3, Greater Johnstown 0

GJ. 16 12 17

BE 25 25 25

By Kenny Varner

BELLEFONTE – It was a strong, solid night for the Bellefonte girls volleyball team Thursday in their game against visiting greater Johnstown.

The Lady Raiders got some quality time for their reserve players in the 3-0 victory. Bellefonte won the sets 25-16, 25 -12 and 25-17 in the 3-game sweep of the Trojans.

“We did good tonight. We played clean. We got everybody in, which was what my goal was,” said Bellefonte coach Monica Smith. “We wanted to get some of the younger kids in and get them some play experience. So, I am really proud of them.”

In the first game, the Lady Raiders built up an early 3-1 advantage thanks to two service points by Colbie Frailey.

But the Lady Trojans hung around and took the lead at 11-10 on a three score run with Shakia Young on the service line. Young was tough on the service line and upfront for Greater Johnstown.

Bellefonte battled right back to go on a scoring run of its own, reeling off a 9-0 run. Sadie Ripka blasted away at the service line smashing five aces in the run, going back ahead 18-11. Also in the run, Brooke Carlini also had a block in the front line.

The Trojans would get to within six but that would be as close as they would get when Bellefonte finished up the game going on a 6-3 run to take the contest 25-16.

In the second game, it was all the Red Raiders.

Bellefonte opened up the game on a 4-1 lead. Picking up service points were Ripka (2) and Frailey.

After exchanging side outs, the Red Raiders got the ball on a front line blast by Keira Clarkson.

Offensively, the Lady Raiders padded its lead to 9-3.

However, the Trojans made another mini run of 3-0 to put them within striking distance at 9-6.

But with strong front row performances from Frailey, Matilynn Hepfer and Clarkson, Bellefonte was able to build an even stronger lead going up 19-12 late in the game.

That would be all that the Red Raiders needed as they finished out on a a 5-0 run on the service line by Sloan Moore to give her team the 2-0 victory at 25-12.

In the final game, the Red Raiders jumped ahead and never looked back as they held control of the game from beginning to end, winning 25-17. Game, set and match. Leading the scoring in the final contest was Braelyn Mingle with six. Teammate Clarkson had three service points while Audrey Schrepple and Ella Novitsky both had two.

With the win Thursday, Bellefonte improves to 8-11.