One could say Franklin volleyball coach Jess Giles saw this coming.
The Grizzly Cubs ended a seven-match losing streak in a big way with a sweep of Mid-State and county rival Whiteland, 25-12, 25-10, 25-12, on Tuesday evening.
“They came to play tonight,” Giles said. “We knew that we needed to rebound. I saw the momentum and the skills we had during the weekend going into this match.”
Franklin had gone 0-4 in Saturday’s Providence tournament against such powers as the host Pioneers and Roncalli.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
Sooner or later, the Grizzly Cubs were going to turn the corner, and they did so impressively against the host Warriors (4-9, 1-2), who didn’t lead at all until the third set.
“They demonstrated those skills on the floor so I’m proud they are applying what they’re learning and overcoming things that made them lose matches in the past," Giles said.
A good team effort helped propel Franklin (3-7, 3-1).
Senior Cami Kelsay had 14 kills for the Cubs, while junior Haley Haldeman had 23 assists. Junior Chole Hoy had six digs. Serving was especially good for Franklin, as junior Paris Johnson had six aces and freshman Scarlett Kimbrell had five.
“(Scarlett’s) top spinning gave us several aces in a row,” Giles said.
Franklin was also consistent in its first two sets.
In game one, the Cubs scored 12 straight and in game three, Franklin outscored Whiteland 15-2 after a 10-all tie.
That third set was tied at four different times before Franklin settled down and took command.
“Franklin is definitely a strong program,” said Whiteland coach Jill Cain, who was back on the sidelines after maternity leave. "They are kind of getting adjusted to me being back on the sidelines."
Whiteland did put up a fight in the third set, taking its first lead of the night before the Grizzly Cubs pulled away.
Cain applauded the Warriors’ effort, but ultimately inexperience and a lack of communication at times were telling.
“We kind of beat ourselves at one point,” Cain said. “We get scared at times, but (today) was a good learning experience.
Giles hopes to keep the momentum from this match going especially, since the Cubs next match is a week away — a Mid-State Conference date with Martinsville next Tuesday. A win could keep the Cubs in the conference title hunt.
“We need to mentally stay in it and continue to improve,” said Giles. “If we do that, we’ll be ready to play.”
Up next for Whiteland is a road contest at Indian Creek tonight.
