Jaguars comeback effort falls just short
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GRANADA - The Granada Huntley East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther comeback came up just short. After clawing back and forcing a fifth set during Monday night's contest against Mountain Lake Area/Comfrey, it was the visiting team that came up with enough plays in the end to secure the victory, beating the Jaguars 12-25, 25-16, 25-15, 21-25, 15-11. This marked the Wolverines’ first win of the season after dropping their previous 10.
"When our energy level is high, we play really well," GHEC/T/ML head coach TJ Williams said. "But like I told the girls in the end, it's sometimes like watching a roller coaster. We go high, then can drop off real quick. We just need to figure out how to keep that energy level high so we can play all the time."
Momentum completely shifted after GHEC/T/ML stormed through set one, thanks to a handful of blocks from Kyana Thomas. The Wolverine outside hitters were finally getting into a rhythm as the match progressed, and the likes of Danika Gohr, Deni Haugen and Ally Hanson connected with kills that slipped through the Jaguars’ defense.
It seemed as if MLA/C was going to continue to roll after starting set four with an 11-5 lead. Hanson's third ace of the rally was capped off by a pair of miscues by GHEC/T/ML. But the turning point came from Jaguars libero Willow Singleton. After saving a ball to her left, the junior then placed a dig perfectly over the net, giving her team a 15-14 lead.
Three straight aces by Gohr ended the Wolverines’ five-point swing that brought them ahead once more, 21-20. Williams called a timeout to hopefully settle his team down the stretch. After 60 seconds in the huddle, Williams short speech worked, as a Kyana Thomas spike and two Laticianna Rosales-Wegner aces solidified the tying set.
"Being able to put a couple of balls away, and a couple of outstanding defensive plays definitely brought up the energy [in the fourth set]," Williams said. "But if it's not for those, we drop off. Even if there aren't the big plays, we have to figure out how to keep that energy moving."
Both teams saw a surge of points during set five. MLA/C's quick 6-2 lead disappeared after consecutive blocks from Vienna Thomas and a Singleton ace gave the Jaguars a 9-7 advantage.
Two aces from Gohr put the Wolverines back in front 10-9. With a handful of out-of-bounds hits by Williams’ team, traveling MLA/C fans erupted in excitement to see the program’s first win of the 2026 campaign.
GHEC/T/ML will take on Alden/Conger this Thursday. The match is set to start at 7:00 p.m. The Jaguars return next Monday to take on St. Clair.