The Taylorville Tornadoes were looking to turn the page Thursday night.
After dropping three straight matches — including close losses to Pana on Saturday and Effingham on Tuesday — Taylorville returned home for an Apollo Conference matchup with the Charleston Trojans, searching for a much-needed win.
The Tornadoes delivered in convincing fashion.
Taylorville came out firing from the opening serve, controlling the first set from start to finish and rolling to a 25-7 victory. The Tornadoes carried that momentum into the second set, closing out Charleston 25-21 to sweep the Trojans in straight sets.
Defensively, Taylorville’s libero continued to be a major difference-maker. After putting together strong performances throughout the week, she once again helped the Tornadoes keep rallies alive and control the match from the back row.
The victory was especially important for a Taylorville team looking to put its recent three-match skid behind it.
The Tornadoes had also put together an impressive showing at the Mattoon Tournament last week, finishing second, with Mckynlee Simpelkamp earning All-Tournament Team honors.
“I think we had a really good weekend,” Simpelkamp said. “We came up short for two games, but we really came together. I love playing with my teammates, and I was very excited to get that award.”
Coming into Thursday’s match, Taylorville was determined to get back into the win column.
“Oh my gosh, it feels amazing,” Simpelkamp said. “I was ready to get a win tonight, and we all had good confidence. We all had a really good game tonight. I was very proud.”
Simpelkamp also credited Taylorville’s preparation during practice following the tournament, pointing to the team’s work at the net and in serve receive.
“Definitely a lot of hitting at practices, and we did a lot of passing,” she said. “And honestly, I think just having her as a coach really helps us all.”
The straight-set victory gives Taylorville some much-needed momentum as the Tornadoes continue their season.
Taylorville will return to action Sunday, September 14, when the Tornadoes host Warrensburg-Latham.
Taylorville 25, 25
Charleston 7, 21
