Stars battle back for thrilling 5-set win at Brown County

NASHVILLE – BNL’s Merritt Callahan sets up a pass during Thursday’s action at Brown County. The Stars rallied from two sets down to record a thrilling 5-set victory.
Courtesy photo

NASHVILLE – Momentum, often fickle and fleeting, turned in Bedford North Lawrence’s favor Thursday night, and the Stars never unfriended that extra teammate while rallying for a fantastic road victory.

Down two sets, BNL blasted back for a stunning 20-25, 11-25, 25-12, 25-19, 15-6 triumph at Brown County.

After opening with the impressive win over county rival Mitchell, the Stars added another shot of confidence with the comeback victory.

“I’m on cloud 9,” BNL first-year coach Gabrielle Arthur said. “I don’t know if they’ve fought back in three like that. It was such a confidence boost. That’s something we can use the rest of the season. That’s something we can run with.”

The Eagles were threatening to run the Stars out of the gym after the second set.

“We got in that huddle and asked what just happened,” Arthur said. “We’re not a team that loses by 14. That’s just not acceptable.

NASHVILLE – BNL’s Annie Waggoner keeps the ball in play during BNL’s five-set triumph.
Courtesy photo

“We might have been on cruise after beating Mitchell, and Brown County was very similar to us. We weren’t able to execute and it got frustrating. We had to change that around. Carlee Kern came alive, our hitters woke up.

“Luckily we’re a team that we don’t have to coach hard work and attitude. They were ready to get back out there. I said we can roll over or play five games and win. That’s exactly what they did.”

Kern and Haley Deckard played huge roles in the rally.

“That’s one of the hardest part of volleyball,” Arthur said “When you’ve got that momentum in your favor, it’s a game changer. Haley Deckard brings so much of that. She’s outstanding as a player, but she brings so much energy and positivity. It’s crucial to find that energy. She brought a lot of that.”

BNL (2-0) will visit Bloomington North on Saturday.