Late rally clips Lady Eagles in first round

11/7/2025

By Corey Gesford
Almost deja vu.
For the second straight year Mountain View volleyball had the momentum from the first two
games, watched it dampen, and then rekindle in a decisive fifth game.
However, host Sayre, said “Not so fast” and had their own momentum swing, fighting back from
a game five deficit and taking a lead they never relinquished to earn a 16-14 win and advance to
the second round of the PIAA Class A volleyball playoffs with a 3-2 win.
Similar to last year’s first round PIAA game the Lady Eagles rode the first wave of momentum
jumping out to a 2-0 lead after winning the first two games, 25-22 and 25-23.
Setter Aubrey Sanders felt the Lady Eagles put their game plan into action the first two games.
“We just had momentum and were executing the things we practiced, and hitting the spots we
planned,” explained Sanders.
Sayre fought back, winning a close 26-24 game three and using that momentum to roll to a
25-14 win and force game five.
But Mountain View wasn’t ready to fold as Senior hitter Addison Kilmer felt the team was able to
regroup and get a correct mindset.
“We just tried to say it’s normal to go five sets, that we can still win and just to focus and be
confident,” said Kilmer.
The Lady Eagles found a new stride and appeared to be on the cusp of winning taking a 12-7
lead. However, Sayre mounted one last surge, reeling off seven straight points to take a 14-12
lead, eventually prevailing 16-14.
Despite the loss first-year coach Bridget Evans did not have dampened spirits.
“I’m proud of my girls,” reflected Evans. “My goal was to be District champions back-to-back and we accomplished that. First time in 25 years!”
Kilmer led the stat sheet registering 23 kills, seven blocks and five digs in her final high school
match. Sanders added 32 assists and six digs while Karley Norton had six kills and two digs.
Addison Tompkins contributed three kills while Abbie Mitchell chipped in with four digs and
Sophia Davis added four digs and three aces.