By Cort Reynolds
ADA - The Ada volleyball team beat local non-league foes Cory-Rawson and Waynesfield-Goshen convincingly on Saturday to open the promising 2017 season on a strong note.
The Bulldogs (2-0) dismissed the Hornets and Tigers in straight sets. Meanwhile, Cory defeated Waynesfield in the middle match.
The Bulldogs had a little more trouble with C-R, winning 25-14, 25-16 in the opener.
Senior Melina Woods paced Ada with 14 kills, three digs and three blocks vs. C-R. Senior Maddie Gossard served three aces and dished out nine assists. Sophomore Sidney Gossard doled out seven assists and added one ace.
Senior libero Olivia Alexander made four digs, as did senior defensive specialist Kaiti Newland. Freshman Megan Light contributed a pair of kills.
"We had six unforced errors vs. Cory in the second game, but our passing and defense were very good," said Ada head coach Melissa Gossard.
Ada later rolled over the Tigers 25-8, 25-11. Ada led 23-6 after Alexander served a dozen points in a row. Two Nikki Lehsten kills closed out the set, 25-8.
Ada won set two, 25-11.
"Our serving was good vs. Waynesfield," said coach Gossard.
Against W-G, Woods knocked down 15 kills and made four blocks. Alexander came up with eight digs and dealt five aces. Maddie Gossard dished out 10 assists, smacked five kills, served two aces and made a pair of blocks.
Sidney Gossard passed out eight assists and dealt two aces. Light amassed three kills and two blocks. Lehsten contributed three kills.
The Ada reserves also defeated W-G and Cory to sweep the day.
Ada hosts perennial power St. Henry Monday evening, August 21 in a tough non-league bout. The Bulldogs lost 3-0 to SH last season.
"They are about the same as last year," said Gossard. "Playing them will get us ready for conference.
"They have a phenomenal setter, one of the best in the state. They also have two very good defensive specialists who will take away easy serve points."
Ada then visits local arch-rival USV Tuesday.
