Courtney in the clutch
SLIPPERY ROCK — Senior setter Courtney Grubbs was all over the floor Saturday, producing 43 assists and 28 digs for Freeport.
But it was her deftly-placed point to end the third game that propelled the Yellowjacket volleyball team to its first-ever appearance in the PIAA Class 2A semifinals.
After splitting the first two games with undefeated Corry in a tightly-contested match at Slippery Rock High School, Freeport (23-3) fell behind 24-23 on its own mis-hit in the third game. Lauren Lampus delivered a tying point for the Yellowjackets and an errant Corry hit gave the 'Jackets a 25-24 lead.
“That third game was going to turn the tide, one way or another,” Freeport coach Tom Phillips said. “That's just the way this thing was going.”
Grubbs softly sent the ball over the outstretched hands of Corry defenders at the net. The ball landed in an open space on the left side of the court.
Game to Freeport. The Yellowjackets went on to win the match 23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-13, knocking off their second straight undefeated opponent. The Beavers end the season at 22-1.
“It sure looked that way, didn't it?,” Corry coach Kelly Goodsel said of the third game ultimately deciding the match. “It was right there for us. We just didn't finish.”
The Beavers held off a Freeport rally to win the first game. Corry led 23-17, only to watch a surge led by junior opposite hitter Ally DeJidas cut the gap to 24-23. Brooke Jonkas finally produced the winning kill to give Corry the early lead.
Freeport trailed the second game 14-11 before going on a 10-3 run to grab a 21-17 advantage that was never relinquished.
The pivotal third game was tied 15 different times before Grubbs decided it.
“I have to credit my bench for that one,” Grubbs said of the critical game-winning point. “They're always in the game and were yelling to me that that part of the court was open.
“When I had a chance to put the ball there ... they were right. I listen to them all the time.”
The Yellowjackets dominated the final game, jumping out to leads of 7-1, 12-6 and 16-7. Grubbs secured the match-winning point as well.
“These were two great teams going at each other today,” Phillips said. “Once you lose that third set in a 1-1 match, everything changes.
“You're not as aggressive. You become afraid to make a mistake. You could see they were back on their heels a bit and we were able to take advantage.
“But make no mistake ... That is a very good team,” Phillips added.
The Beavers entered the match having lost just two games all season. They won 57.
“Whoever won that third game was gonna win this match,” Grubbs said. “That was as close as it gets. There was going to be a mental letdown to whoever lost that game because both teams were playing so well.”
Hannah Mason had eight kills and 22 digs for Freeport while DeJidas had 12 kills, Lampus 12 kills and 22 digs, Claire Crytzer 25 digs and 16 points.
Ryann Brundage had seven points and three aces, Haley Kurelowich 12 points and Meg Goodsel 10 for Corry.
The Yellowjackets get a rematch with Beaver (18-0) — which denied Freeport a third straight WPIAL title — in the 2A state semifinals at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Seneca Valley. It will mark the third consecutive undefeated opponent for the Yellowjackets in the PIAA tournament.
