Panthers volleyball defeat Pembroke 3-1

The Panthers traveled to Pembroke to face the Titans and secured a 3-1 win in a great match for both teams. Game scores were 22-25, 25-19, 25-17 and 27-25. In the first set the Panthers struggled to control the ball and their errors led to the Titans gaining confidence in their own game. The Panthers tried to rally late in the set but the Titans defense was able to control the game and keep the Panthers from scoring necessary points to seal the victory in the set. In the second and third sets the Panthers put their offense together with their passing game and were able to control all facets off the game to earn the win in both sets. In the fourth and deciding Pembroke started out strong and got out to an early lead which led to the Panthers getting tight and making mistakes in the passing game. The Panthers rallied behind strong play by Sophie O'Brien and Madison Scott to pull the Titans back. The Panthers then pulled out to a small lead and looked ready to clinch the victory but Pembroke rallied to tie things up at 20-20. Both teams played back and forth until Pembroke pulled ahead at 24-22 and were about to seal the win but key defensive plays allowed the Panthers to stay alive in the set. Chiara Cassiano stepped up to serve and wound up serving the Panthers to victory with tough serves that kept the Titans from generating any offense. The Panthers offense clicked and pulled ahead to win the set and match 27-25! Sophie O'Brien led the team with a career high 18 kills. Chiara Cassiano followed with 11 kills and Madison Scott contributed 10 kills. Alyssa Gacicia had a season high 37 assists. The Panthers earned their 8th win of the season and prepare to face Rockland on Wednesday.