FREMONT, Neb. — York (NE) (0-2) fell to No. 20 Midland (3-2) in straight sets, 14-25, 13-25, 19-25, on Tuesday evening at Wikert Event Center. The Panthers recorded 40 digs in the match, but Midland's efficient attack, with a .330 hitting percentage, proved too strong.
Midland took an early 7-1 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Eme Myers and a series of attack errors from the Panthers. York managed a brief comeback, narrowing the gap to 12-7 with consecutive points off Midland's attack errors, prompting a timeout by Midland. However, Midland regained momentum, with Ashley Beethe and Brooklynn Snyder contributing with several kills. Midland finished the set with a kill, making it a 25-14 score.
Midland secured a 25-13 win over the Panthers in the second set with a strong mid-set surge. York started with a 3-0 lead, highlighted by back-to-back kills from
Florencia Felmer and
Leyra Ruiz. Midland responded, leveling the score at 6-6, then pulled ahead after a service. Midland extended its lead to 18-11 with a series of kills. Head coach
Irick Gardner called a timeout, but Midland maintained its momentum and closed out the set with a block on an attack by
Maria Del Mar Rivera.
In the third set, Midland secured a 25-19 victory over York, capitalizing on a series of decisive plays. The Panthers initially took a lead at 4-1 with key contributions from
Ronan Merriex and
Leyra Ruiz. However, Midland responded with a strong rally, pushing the score to 8-5 in Midland's favor. York managed to level the score at 11-11, thanks to a service ace by
Tianna Clark. Midland then regained control, with Ava Lloyd delivering critical points, leading to a 24-19 advantage. Lloyd sealed the win for Midland with a final kill, concluding the set and the match.
Jassania Joseph led the Panthers with six kills on 12 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .500.
Valentina Jimenez contributed significantly on defense with 12 digs.
Meadow Nusbaum facilitated the offense by registering nine assists over the course of the match.
Kory Anschutz also supported the team's efforts with four assists and four digs.
On Friday, Aug. 28, York will travel to St. Louis to compete in the Eutectics Classic on the campus of University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. York opens up the tournament facing William Penn at 1 p.m.
