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Fredonia tops Dunkirk in 4 sets

OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia’s Maddy Marsh returns a serve during Wednesday’s rivalry game between Dunkirk and Fredonia at Fredonia High School.

A year ago, Dunkirk and Fredonia played one of the most thrilling matches of the year, a 5-set showdown in Dunkirk where the Lady Marauders came out on top. Fredonia held a lead in that match, but Dunkirk clawed back to come out on top.

Wednesday, the two rivals met again, in the first cross-town showdown of the season. This time, Fredonia took care of business in front of the home crowd, putting an end to Dunkirk’s rally with a dominant victory of the fourth set to end the contest. The Fredonia Lady ‘Billies defeated the Dunkirk Lady Marauders in four sets, 25-16, 25-21, 14-25, 25-23, in Wednesday’s CCAA North volleyball game at Fredonia High School.

“The last two years when we’ve played, they’ve been intense games — four, five set matches,” said Fredonia coach Amanda Krakowiak. “No matter what team it is, you always have that worry (that a team can come back) with momentum. … I was very happy to see my team respond. That’s my team. That’s Fredonia volleyball.”

Dunkirk (5-3, 4-2) jumped ahead in each of the first three sets, including four of the first five points in the first set, then 11 of the first 15 in the second set.

“The girls went into it with such intensity and optimism at the beginning of the sets,” said Dunkirk coach Kate Stahlman. “They had a mentality that each set was a new start.”

Dunkirk's Gina Salerno serves during Wednesday's game in Fredonia. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

Fredonia (4-3, 4-3) also had quite the stretch of points in its favor. After the early 4-1 hole in the first set, the Lady ‘Billies scored 12 of the next 16 points to take a 13-8 lead. The Lady ‘Billies also had a stretch later in the set of 10 out of 14 points to pull ahead for good in the opening set of the match.

Dunkirk came out strong in the second set, but Fredonia’s answer was even more impressive. Facing an 11-4 deficit in the set, Fredonia scored 12 of the next 14 points to take a 16-13 lead. The Lady ‘Billies did not trail after taking the lead, and although Dunkirk kept it close — within two points at 20-18 and at 23-21 — Fredonia finished off the second set to hold a 2-0 lead.

The Lady Marauders — similarly to a year ago — would not be discouraged by being down in the match. In fact, with their backs against the wall, Dunkirk played its best set of the night in the third set. Dunkirk took a 5-4 lead and held the advantage the rest of the way. The Lady Marauders led 14-6 and again at 23-11 before finishing off the set with a 25-14 win.

“I think once they realized the third set would be their last chance to stay in the game, they gave it 100 % until the finish,” said Stahlman. “I was especially proud of the girls for encouraging each other throughout the set, as well. Even when the girls make mistakes, that team support makes such a difference when you’re in those high intensity situations.”

Faced with the possibility of another Dunkirk comeback, this time, Fredonia put the contest away for good with a sizable advantage in the fourth and final set.

Fredonia's Marissa Cash (left) and Maddy Marsh (right) prepare for a Dunkirk serve in Wednesday's game. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

Fredonia led 14-6 through 20 points and then 19-12 before Dunkirk clawed back again. The set got to within two points at 22-20, then to within one point at 24-23, before Fredonia ended the match in a victory for the orange and black.

“Fredonia had more of an advantage with their strategy on coverage. They also had great communication,” said Stahlman.

Nagely Vazquez led Fredonia with a game-high nine kills, along with four aces and three blocks. Vazquez is the lone senior on Fredonia, and Wednesday represented her final home Dunkirk-Fredonia volleyball game.

“You can definitely tell she was hungry for tonight,” said Krakowiak of Vazquez. “She definitely stepped up her game today. She was taking control and she wanted it. There was no question.”

Anna Valone had eight kills for the Lady ‘Billies, while Tess Corell had 10 assists.

Dunkirk's Jessica Beehler leads out the Marauders at the beginning of Wednesday's game. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

“When the girls are on, they’re on. They work well together,” said Krakowiak.

Dunkirk’s Amari Carter led the Lady Marauders with seven kills and five blocks. Nadara Odell had five kills and two blocks, while Jessica Beehler had three kills and a block.

“I feel that our team excelled in blocking, finding good spots for our hits/tips and hustling to keep the ball in play,” said Stahlman. “I’m hoping we can take this loss as a learning experience on what we can do better for the rest of the season and what to expect for our next game against Fredonia.”

Dunkirk plays Gowanda on Friday at home. Fredonia plays at Silver Creek on Friday.

“This was a good old Fredonia-Dunkirk rivalry game. That’s been going on for years and years,” said Krakowiak. “It’s always great to take that win and bring that back to our school. It’s always an important game, no matter what year it is. My girls are proud to be able to walk out on top.”

Twitter: @bradencarmen

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