Freeport falls short of state title defense
CLARION — Freeport showed flashes Tuesday night, times when the Yellowjackets displayed the form that had brought them to within one step of playing for a second straight state championship.
In the end, however, it was not nearly enough to derail a formidable Bald Eagle squad.
The Eagles posted a 3-1 victory by scores of 25-16, 23-25, 25-18 and 25-15 in a Class 2A semifinal at Clarion High School.
“Bald Eagle is a very good team,” said Freeport coach Tom Phillips, “but for us, it just came down to fundamentals. We couldn't stay consistent enough tonight.”
Freeport swept the Eagles in the first round of state play last year.
Bald Eagle (22-0) recently won the District 6 title.
“Freeport was our measuring stick,” said Eagles' coach Larry Campbell. “They were the defending state champ for a reason, but we did not feel like underdogs entering this game.
“It was 373 days since we lost to them last year,” he added, “not that I was counting.”
Freeport (18-4) let the first set slip away after being tied with the Eagles multiple times early on.
Junior outside hitter Grace Hugar tallied five of her team-leading 16 kills on the night in the first set and Lacee Barnhart dropped two late aces to help keep the 'Jackets at bay.
But Freeport used an impressive run during the second set to pull even. With senior Ally DeJidas behind the service line, the 'Jackets reeled off seven straight points to turn a 9-7 deficit into a 14-9 lead. Kills from DeJidas, Haley Graham and Mackensey Jack spurred the effort.
“We were hoping that second set would spark us,” Phillips said.
It was not to be. The Eagles built a 6-1 lead early in the third set as Freeport struggled to deal with the attack provided by Barnhart, Taylor Kilmer and Katelyn Smitchko.
A late 6-0 run from the 'Jackets cut their deficit to 20-18, but Bald Eagle earned the final five points. The last three came courtesy of Hugar on a block and two kills.
Barnhart and Kilmer both added 13 kills for the Eagles.
“When you have the kills spread around like that, we were able to put a lot of pressure on them tonight,” said Campbell.
Meanwhile, Freeport's attack, usually stout, was flawed and unable to match that of its opponent. That carried over into the fourth and final set.
“We couldn't pass tonight. Our passes were straight up in the air,” said Phillips. “If you can't pass, you can't win.”
DeJidas led Freeport with 10 kills.
“We had some injuries this year and overcame a lot,” added Phillips. “It was a great season.”
