The Shelbyville Rams put together a balanced performance Tuesday night, protecting their home court with a straight-set varsity volleyball victory over the Mattoon Green Wave.
Shelbyville captured both sets by identical 25-20 scores, defeating Mattoon 2-0 behind a productive attack, strong serving and contributions throughout the Rams’ lineup.
The opening set saw Shelbyville work its way to a five-point victory, 25-20. Rather than allowing Mattoon to extend the match, the Rams followed with another steady performance in the second set, once again reaching 25 first and closing out the sweep, 25-20.
Taya Wiley played an important role in directing Shelbyville’s offense, finishing the night with 11 assists while adding three aces and 16 points. Her work helped create opportunities for a Rams attack that received contributions from several different players.
At the net, Avery Bland and Brynly Rice-Delgado each recorded six kills, while Ava Corley and Meiya Thompson added four kills apiece. Rice-Delgado also made an impact defensively, finishing with 11 digs and a block.
Shelbyville’s back-row defense provided another boost. Rice-Delgado’s 11 digs led the Rams, while Debra Jones collected nine and Corley finished with six. Bland added four digs, helping Shelbyville limit Mattoon’s opportunities to build sustained runs.
The Rams also generated pressure from the service line. Wiley led Shelbyville with three aces, Jones contributed two, and Corley and Rice-Delgado each added one. At the net, Brielle Ko recorded two blocks, while Cambrie Lebon added another.
For head coach Lindsay Krumreich’s Rams, the win provided a complete team effort. Shelbyville found production offensively, created pressure with its serving and remained consistent enough defensively to prevent Mattoon from forcing a third set.
With the victory, Shelbyville improves to 1-1 on the season. The Rams will look to carry the momentum forward when they return to action Thursday, Sept. 3, on the road against Nokomis.
FINAL: Shelbyville def. Mattoon, 2-0
Set 1: Shelbyville 25, Mattoon 20
Set 2: Shelbyville 25, Mattoon 20
