Bearcats' win streak snapped
VOLLEYBALL
By Josh Cruse

South Aiken snapped Brookland- Cayce's four game winning streak beating the Bearcats 3- 2 (22- 25, 25- 18, 25- 22, 17- 25, and 15- 13). In a game that featured big leads, rallies, ties, and high scoring, South Aiken was left standing with the win. South Aiken received big games from Lauren Key, Jessica McReynolds, and Lisa Thornsberry. Brookland- Cayce relied on Alley Greer, Kristen Hutchins, and Alex White to keep them in the match.

In the first game Brookland- Cayce stormed out to a 10- 1 lead, but a score from Key led to a South Aiken rally that tied up the game at 15- 15. Two points from both Greer and Hutchins helped the Bearcats regain the lead at 20- 16. The Thoroughbreds fought to keep the game close with scoring efforts from Thornsberry and Brittany Serago, but Greer scored the last point to give Brookland- Cayce an early 1- 0 lead.

Game two saw South Aiken take control. Leading the way for the Thoroughbreds were Thornsberry and McReynolds. South Aiken held a 17- 10 lead before the Bearcats were able to mount a comeback. In a stretch where Brookland- Cayce scored seven out of ten points, the lead was cut to 20- 17. Despite the rally, South Aiken was able to close out the game with scoring efforts from Thornsberry and Key. The match was tied at one game a piece.

Game three provided many ties early on. Through the first 21 points, no team held a lead larger than two points. Despite scores from Hutchins and Greer, mistakes by the Bearcats kept South Aiken in the match. South Aiken captured the lead at 10- 9 and kept it for the remainder of the game. Despite a fierce rally by the Bearcats, the Thoroughbreds held on to a 25- 22 win. The match was now in favor of South Aiken two games to one.

Brookland- Cayce fought back and stormed out to an early 11- 4 lead in game four. The Bearcats were led by Hutchins and Mackenzie Cleland. White chipped in two points to help extend the lead. However, the Thoroughbreds would not give up. Behind strong efforts from McReynolds and Kayla Barton, South Aiken closed the gap to 19- 15. However, Brookland- Cayce would close out the game thanks to mistakes and miscommunication by the Thoroughbreds. The Bearcats won the game to send the match into a fifth and final game.

In the fifth game, Brookland- Cayce came right out of the gates and took an early 4- 2 lead. The Thoroughbreds, led by Key, fought back and shifted the momentum to their side. After a Bearcat timeout, it seemed as if Brookland- Cayce would regain momentum. Points from Greer and White tied the score. The game went back and forth, both the Bearcats and the Thoroughbreds matching each other point for point. South Aiken closed the game out scoring three of the final four points to give the Thoroughbreds the win.