NEW ALBANY – Bedford North Lawrence ended an 11-year losing streak to a league rival with a thrilling four-set victory over New Albany during high school volleyball acton on Tuesday night.
The Stars pounded out a tough 25-22, 25-18, 23-25, 25-23 triumph, conquering the Bulldogs for the first time since the Hoosier Hills Conference tournament in 2015. BNL improved to 2-1 in the league (5-6 overall) while New Albany fell to 3-4 overall (1-1 in the HHC).
”It was a hard-fought game,” BNL coach Aaron Wagoner said. “When we handled the ball, we were dangerous. When we didn’t, it was hit and miss.“
That roller coaster was evident in the decisive final set. The Stars stormed to a 4-0 lead and extended that margin to 13-5, but the Bulldogs rallied, battling within 15-14. Izzy Root stopped that run with a kill and Adalynn Bailey added a service ace, and another Root spike gave BNL a 20-16 advantage.
Once again New Albany surged, pulling within 22-21. Emry Crane answered with a tip kill, and Root’s block at the net produced match point.
“We were finding lanes and being aggressive,” Wagoner said. “The equation works: pass to target, plus options for the setter, equals more points. Here’s to many more nights like that.”
Lily Mishler paced the attack with 21 kills and 12 digs,, Root totaled 10 kills and four blocks, Jenna Allen had 10 kills and 13 digs, Bailey finished with 38 assists and three aces, and Crane added three aces.
“We desperately needed that win for morale,” Wagoner said.
BNL will visit Bloomington North on Thursday.
