Bullpups sneak past Bears

In a game in which skills are evenly matched, momentum and communication are often deciding factors.

Both were for Gonzaga Prep, which outlasted Central Valley (0-2) in a five-game, edge-of-your-seat Greater Spokane League matchup Thursday night at G-Prep (2-0).

In the decisive fifth game, the Bullpups took control early and shook off the Bears’ final attempt to rally back at 12-6.

“I think it comes down to the character of these girls on the team. They have a lot of pride and knowing everyone was supporting them, it gave them strength,” G-Prep coach Greg Smith said.

After a timely kill by Kristana Fruci at 13-6, Megan Higgins aced the final point and the Bullpups prevailed.

The Bears led early in the match, edging GP 25-23 in the opener. Scrappy defense was their answer early on, as the Bears had 26 digs in the first game.

But the Bullpups responded in the second game with timely kills from Fruci and Katie Mackin, winning 25-15.

CV’s defense also broke down, which led to a momentum swing in the match.

“When we play like we did in the first game there isn’t an excuse for losing. We should have won in three games,” CV coach Chad Coupland said.

In the third game, the teams traded points until CV took a 23-19 lead on brilliant serving from Lindsey Tomlinson.

A late rally in the middle game gave the Bullpups the edge.

Fruci served aces on the final two points and the Bullpups took a 2-1 game lead with a score of 25-23.

“When the pressure got on we didn’t execute,” Coupland said. “It’s momentum stuff, is what it comes down to, and we couldn’t hang on.”

CV controlled the fourth game, picking up on defense, capitalizing on seven G-Prep hitting errors and holding off a late rally by the Bullpups to win 25-21 and send the match into a fifth game.

The Bears were led by freshman setter Shannon Giusti, who finished with 49 assists.

Kristin Telin led CV at the net with 16 kills and four blocks.

“I am happy with how we played,” Coupland said. “We came out here and the girls put forth a ton of effort. I’m happy with our freshman (Giusti). She had a great match.”

In the end it came down to who could keep their momentum going, and in that aspect, the Bullpups maintained the edge.

“We can’t give these ones away,” Coupland said.

Whether the Bears gave it away or not, the Bullpups certainly did their share of taking.

“This group is learning to keep the momentum longer and take it as far into the game as possible,” Smith said. “They did an outstanding job of that tonight.”

Mackin finished with 16 kills for G-Prep and Fruci added 11 kills and 19 digs. Brittnee Brown had 36 assists and four aces.

Also in the GSL, Oceana Bush finished with 13 kills and five digs and Hannah Zimmerman had three blocks as visiting Lewis and Clark (2-0) rolled over Ferris, 25-14, 25-13, 25-21. Maddy Lorenz led the Saxons (0-2) with six kills, one block and an ace. … Kasey Jurich led with 12 kills and 18 digs and University (1-0) defeated host Mt. Spokane 25-21, 26-24, 25-22. Lisa Reich posted 32 assists for the Titans and Laura Leach finished with five blocks. Jenn Andrews led the Wildcats (1-1) with 14 kills. … Brynn DeLong led all players with 11 kills, 16 digs, three aces and three blocks as visiting Shadle Park (2-0) topped Rogers 25-14, 25-20, 25-19. Tristen Kelly has 14 assists for the Highlanders. Candace Curley finished with seven digs for the Pirates (0-2) and teammate Melanie Humphries had five kills.

•In Great Northern League action, Emilee Lepp had nine kills and 15 digs and teammates Jordan Emmil posted 15 assists as Colville (2-0) defeated visiting Medical Lake (0-2) 25-14, 25-19, 25-14. … Also in the GNL, Ariana Obert finished with 16 kills, 15 digs, two aces and two blocks as Deer Park (2-0) topped visiting Riverside (0-2) 25-21, 26-24, 25-19. In the second game, Obert served seven straight as the Stags rallied and Cadi Oberdorfer served the final four points to cap off the comeback victory. … Kerri Spangenberg had 24 assists and visiting Pullman remained unbeaten, finishing off Clarkston 25-10, 25-11, 25-6. The Greyhounds (9-0, 2-0) have lost one game all season. Katie Hinrichs had 10 digs for Pullman. Stacey Ogden led the Bantams (0-2) with eight digs and one ace. … Melissa Mauro finished with 13 kills and Amelie Horer had eight aces and visiting West Valley (2-0) beat Cheney 25-20, 25-16, 23-25, 25-18. Jenna Donnerberg led the Blackhawks (0-2) with 10 kills, 11 digs and five blocks.