Down Two Sets, #10 Mesa Rallies to Win in Five Sets vs Chandler-Gilbert
Mesa, AZ - The #10 Mesa Thunderbirds had to battle back from two sets down to defeat the Chandler-Gilbert Coyotes Wednesday night in five sets, 21-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 20-18.
"It takes a lot of mental toughness to continue to battle through a match like this," said Coach Megan Taylor, "We put ourselves in a tough spot early on..but it shows a lot of grit to come back and win 20-18 in the fifth set."
The Coyotes surprised the T-Birds early in the first two sets, taking the first set 21-25 while taking set two 23-25, even though Mesa had a 10-5 advantage to start the set.
In the third set, Chandler-Gilbert looked to be on the verge of a three set sweep, taking a 11-16 lead. Mesa battled back, tying the set at 18 and eventually taking the set, 25-21.
Mesa controlled set four, taking an early lead, 11-5 and maintaining that margin throughout the rest of the set to win, 25-17.
Set five saw Mesa take a quick 5-2 lead but the Coyotes scored three straight to tie the set at five. Mesa had an 8-6 advantage at the switch. Eight ties later and the score at 18, Mesa took the final two points to earn the 20-18 set victory and win the match, 3-2.
On the night, Paige Greenly finished with 16 kills and two service aces while Jaida Jackson-Campbell and Trae Landvatter finished with 10 kills each. Camy Cohn finished with 32 digs.
"This was a team effort and our bench was a huge part of our turn around tonight," said Coach Taylor.
The T-Birds are 13-6 overall on the season with a 6-3 conference record. Mesa will host South Mountain Friday night at 7 pm.