Kennedy Horn
Columbus North had a little trouble closing out the match Tuesday night.
The Bull Dogs survived a huge run from Conference Indiana opponent Southport in the fourth set to come away with a 25-17, 18-25, 25-18, 27-25 victory.
“We took the energy we had at the beginning. We got in the hole for a minute, but we continued it and knew that this was an important match to win,” North senior Kennedy Horn said.
The Bull Dogs (6-10, 1-1) had set point up 24-20 in the fourth set, but the Cardinals fended them off to score five straight points to pull ahead 25-24. Facing a potential fifth set, the North locked in to score the final three points to win the match.
Earlier in the fourth set, the Bull Dogs trailed 18-14 and went on a 10-2 scoring run to set themselves in position to capture the set and match.
“There was a lot of pressure,” North coach Jenna Ortega said. “They knew it was the final point, and to have that pressure on your shoulders, but they fought through it. We have a very competitive team, and I know they are going work hard to achieve that, and they got it done.”
Karen Dutro
Karen Dutro led the Bull Dogs with 18 kills and seven blocks. Horn finished with 16 kills, Lexi Denny tallied 22 assists, and Morgan Osborn served three aces. Also for North, Reese Edwards added 16 assists.
This is the third straight win and fourth win in the past five matches for the Bull Dogs after starting the year 2-9.
“Southport is a good, competitive team. They’ve been going four and five (sets) with a lot of teams. For us to show up and getting it done in four sets just shows there is a determination, and they’re ready,” Ortega said. “Last week was the hump that we needed to get over, so I think we finally got it on the right track. The girls are determined, and they work hard, and they deserve it.”
North has a quick turnaround before travelling to take on Scottsburg Wednesday and another Conference Indiana match against Terre Haute North at home on Saturday.
