The Freelasn Falcons beat Swan Valley for the 3rd time this season with a hard fought 25-21, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19 win in the opening round district game at Garber High School Monday night. In game 1 the Falcons fell behind early 1-6, but rallied to take the lead 19-17 behind a Cat Talaga block and held on for the win.
In the second set the Falcon again trailed early 1-4 before a Maddie Rappely kill, gave Freeland a 10-8 lead they would not relinquish. In the third set in was all Swan Valley as they took a 5-1 lead, and coasted to the win.
The Falcons rebounded in game 4 with a quick 5-2 lead and traded side outs. A Caitlin Pistro kill gave Freeland a 21-17 lead as both teams battled with long rallies before Freeland prevailed for the 3-1 match win. The win gives Freeland a 5-1 record in the past two years over the conference rival.
Freeland was led by juniors Caitlinn Pistro and Elli Howard with 12 and 8 kills respectively, along with 15 digs each. Junior Caroline Talaga owned the net with 6 blocks while also adding 1 ace and 7 digs. Junior setters Leiya Rybicki and Grace Walker together put up 30 assists with Walker leading the team with 3 aces and Rybicki had 2 aces. Senior Taylor Bakos was errorless on attacks adding 9 for the night.
Tonight’s win brings Freeland’s record to 29-12-6. The Falcons will take on Bullock Creek Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Garber High School.