Panthers defeat Pembroke 3-2

The Whitman-Hanson Panthers hosted Pembroke and rallied to a 3-2 win. Game scores were 25-20, 20-25, 21-25, 25-18 and 17-15. Both teams played a great game and each point in the match was hard earned. The Panthers came out strong in the first set to grab an early lead and with strong play at the net by middles Halle Julian and Sophie O'Brien were able to earn the first set victory. In the second set the Panthers found themselves playing from behind as a result of their struggles in the passing game which allowed the Pembroke outside hitter to get into a rhythm that carried throughout the match. In the third and fourth sets both teams rallied back and forth with each team gaining the advantage at one point or another. Pembroke was able to take advantage of their tough serving to keep the Panthers out of their offense to earn the 4th set victory and force a 5th and deciding set. In the 5th set the Panthers got out to an early 8-1 lead in a race to 15 points. However, once the teams changed sides Pembroke was able to rally back and push the score to 14-14. Pembroke than pulled in front with strong play by the service line, but the Panthers pulled back even at 15-15 with a big block by Halle Julian. Whitman-Hanson served tough and got a free ball from Pembroke that led to a kill by Amanda Anderson. On the next play the Panthers were able to turn another free ball from Pembroke into a game winning kill by Halle Julian. Playing well for the Panthers tonight were middle hitters Halle Julian with 11 kills and 5 blocks and Sophie O'Brien with 10 kills and 4 blocks. Also, leading the way for the Panthers was setter Tori Perry with 29 assists and 2 aces and Jordyn Keith with 36 serve receives and 22 digs. This was a great game played by both teams and both teams should be proud of their play! Whitman-Hanson moves to 2-5 on the season and travels to Silver Lake on Monday.