Jackson volleyball team rallies for sweep of Park Hills

The Jackson Indians needed a late rally in the second game to sweep Park Hills in a volleyball match Monday at Jackson High School.

The Indians won the first game 25-11, but then found themselves in a 19-13 hole in the second game with Park Hills riding the momentum of a five-point run.

"Park Hills has a terrific program," Jackson coach Julie Brandmeyer said. "It's always a good battle. Going into it, we know we have to play hard."

With Park Hills threatening to even the match at a set apiece, Brandmeyer called a timeout.

It proved beneficial, as the Lady Indians immediately ran off a 7-0 run, most on Alexa Kelpe's serve, to retake the lead at 20-19.

"Our serving is our strength, and that [run] was a tribute to our serving," said Brandmeyer, whose Indians improved to 7-9-2.

It wasn't over for Park Hills, which moved back ahead 22-21. With the score knotted at 22-22, Jackson, used strong frontline play from middle blocker Melinna Craft and outside hitter Hailey Mouser to forge ahead for the victory at 25-22.

Craft led Jackson with 11 kills and two blocks.

"Melinna Craft did a great job in transition, running her routes and running some free-ball plays," Brandmeyer said.

Mouser recorded nine kills and seven digs, while Kelpe dished 19 assists.

"We just came off the Oakville tournament in St. Louis last weekend, a high speed, high competition tournament," said Brandmeyer about her team‘s success in the Park Hills contest. "Our team chemistry is very high right now. We're a lot faster because we played at such a high level this weekend, and I think that helped our confidence so much."

Jackson returns to action tonight at Sikeston.