Tied 19-19 in the second game, the Joplin Lady Eagles scored four consecutive points on the way to a 25-22 win before claiming a 25-14 win in the third and deciding game to beat McDonald County on Sept. 13 at Joplin High School.
McDonald County led the entire first game on the way to a 25-23 win. The Lady Mustangs jumped out to a 4-2 lead and never trailed as they built a 21-16 lead late in the game. Joplin closed to 23-22 but, McDonald County won two of the final three points for the win.
The Lady Mustangs broke out on top in the second game with a 4-0 run to start behind the serving of Destiny Arnall. Joplin tied the game at 9-9 and the teams traded the lead until Joplin pulled away late for the 25-22 win.
In the third game, Joplin opened with a 7-1 advantage and cruised to the 25-14 win to take the match.
Alex Gross and Bailey Rickett had 10 kills each while Arnall had nine service points and 22 assists to lead McDonald County. Lindsey Limore led in blocks with three, and Lauren Goff had 14 digs.
Joplin also won the junior varsity and freshman matches. The Lady Eagles claimed a 25-14, 25-16 decision in the junior varsity match and added a 25-2, 25-6 win in the freshman contest.
McDonald County falls to 5-7 for the season entering its Sept. 19 match against Joplin McAuley at MCHS. The Lady Mustangs traveled to Mount Vernon on Sept. 20 before returning home on Sept. 22 to host Carthage. Matches begin at 5 p.m.
Sports on 09/22/2016