IAC VOLLEYBALL: CANDOR SWEEPS TIOGA IN EARLY-SEASON SHOWDOWN (2019-09-11)

BY TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
CANDOR — It was hot and humid in the Candor gym Wednesday evening, but that didn't seem to faze the Indians as they battled past Tioga, 3-0, in an early-season IAC South Small School showdown here.

For three blistering sets, the Tigers and Indians went at it with the hosts turning away their nemesis. Tioga fans may have walked away disappointed that their team didn't get the win, however, they can hold their heads high. It wasn't for a lack of trying. Both teams battled right down to the final point, neither giving an inch. From a spectator's standpoint, it was an exciting match to watch.

"From a coach's point of view, it was an exciting match to watch and coach," said Tioga head coach Des Ford. "I like this. I even like the heat. I like this kind of atmosphere, but that's me."

"We knew it was going to be that way," said Candor head coach Pam Quinlan. "Tioga is an excellent program — longtime great coach, they've got some great athletes over there, a great defense. I think it just comes down to those little things and just taking advantage of some momentum and coming through in some clutch moments."

The Indians seemed to take advantage of the Tioga mistakes more than the Tigers did Candor's miscues.

"They're stronger mentally, more consistent," Ford said. "They're good. It's the same team she has back, minus her libero."

This season's libero is Kailyn Edwards and the Indians didn't miss a beat with her.

Ford has the majority of her team back.

"I've got some new kids coming up to fill some starting positions," Ford said. "I know what I have, players and athletes, but I also know if they're willing to listen I can coach them in a way that they can be successful."

Candor came up with several big plays at the net when it needed them, whether it be on offense or defense. With all-state setter Braelyn Hornick and all-state middle hitter Jennah Kareem back to set the pace, the Indians worked an early four-point lead.

Tioga would battle back to close within 10-9, but Candor scored five straight points to create a little space. The Tigers never got closer than six after that and the home team pulled away to win, 25-14.

The second set was a different story early on as the visitors looked to square things up, grabbing a 7-3 lead. The Indians would rally to knot the score at 7-7 and eventually build a 14-10 lead.

That wouldn't hold up as Tioga scored the next four points. The set would still be tied at 21, then Tioga would pull ahead, but the Indians managed to score the final four points for a 25-22 victory.

The Tigers looked to remain alive in game three and worked a 14-9 lead about halfway through the set. They would lead by five two more times, then the Indians rallied to tie the game at 18. The teams would again be tied at 21, then Candor scored the final four points for a 25-21 victory to clinch the match.

Candor's play at the net was impressive and played a key role in the outcome of the match. A lot of the credit goes to Hornick.

"Our setter does a nice job of finding them and moving things around, and getting everybody in the game and going to the hot hand when she needs to," Quinlan said.

"Candor, they're a great team," Ford said. "They're very good, very good. Fun to watch. Braelyn Hornick is very fun to watch. She's smooth. There's a smoothness to her."

The loss is no reason for Tioga to throe in the towel. Last year, the Tigers lost both regular season matches to the Indians, but knocked them off at sectionals. This Tioga team appears to be a little more cohesive at this point of the season, which is a plus.

"It's been a great 3 1/2 weeks to this preseason," Ford said. "Last year, we didn't have a starting lineup until the week before sectionals. That's when I finally had some kind of consistency."

Ford said she has already had a more consistent lineup this season.

"I changed a couple things, but for the most part we're more consistent to begin, so to me we should be able to improve on some things."

Chloe Bellis had one service point, one ace, 13 assists, seven kills, one block and seven digs for Tioga (4-1, 3-1). Giovanna Rossi contributed two service points, 11 kills, one block and 13 digs; Bri Rossi had one service point, one kill and 14 digs; Ari Manwaring c hipped in with three kills; Katelyn Perry handed out seven assists; Emme Hall had three kills and one dig; and Molly Bombard added six assists.

For Candor, Asia Curkendall had six service points; Kori Strong had four kills and one block assist; Selah Ray contributed five kills; Shelby Swartz pitched in with  six service points, 11 kills, one block assist and five digs; Jennah Kareem had 10 kills, one block and 14 digs; Hornick recorded eight service points, 30 assists and four digs; Megan Henry added five service points and five kills; and Edwards finished with nine service points and seven digs.

Candor (4-0, 4-0) and Tioga (3-1, 4-1) could meet again as early as Saturday at the Tigers' annual tournament.

JV: Candor won 2-0, by scores of 25-17 and 25-19.

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IN PHOTO 1: Candor's Asia Curkendall. ... PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR