The Clinton Maroons had to battle their way out of an early deficit Tuesday night, but a strong response helped them secure a straight-set victory over the Roanoke-Benson Rockets, 25-23, 25-20.
Roanoke-Benson came out ready to compete in the opening set and put Clinton in an early hole. The Rockets maintained pressure and forced the Maroons to play from behind, but Clinton stayed within striking distance and gradually worked its way back into the set.
The Maroons’ persistence paid off late. Clinton erased the deficit and finished the comeback with a narrow 25-23 victory, taking a 1-0 advantage in the match.
With momentum on its side, Clinton settled in during the second set. The Maroons held the advantage for much of the frame, but Roanoke-Benson continued to challenge them and kept the set competitive. Clinton ultimately held off the Rockets, 25-20, to complete the two-set sweep.
Several Maroons played key roles in the victory, including Lainey Snow, Kate Parrish, Ava Cyrulik and Brynlee Callahan. Paisley Schick handled libero duties for Clinton as part of a team effort that helped the Maroons withstand Roanoke-Benson’s challenge and finish the night without dropping a set.
The victory also continued a strong stretch for Clinton. The Maroons entered Tuesday’s match following a 25-14, 25-10 sweep of Blue Ridge on Monday.
Roanoke-Benson, meanwhile, made Clinton work for both sets. The Rockets nearly took the opener after building their advantage and remained within five points in the second, but the Maroons were able to deliver the necessary plays to finish each set.
For Clinton, the night was highlighted by two different types of victories within the match: a comeback effort in the opener and a more controlled performance in the second. With contributions throughout the lineup, the Maroons finished off another straight-set win on their home floor.
FINAL: Clinton def. Roanoke-Benson, 2-0
Set 1: Clinton 25, Roanoke-Benson 23
Set 2: Clinton 25, Roanoke-Benson 20
