'Streaks have no trouble with Indians, win in 3

• Piketon brought out the brooms Monday night in a convincing sweep of Peebles at home.
• Cami Chandler led the Redstreaks with 25 kills, seven digs and two blocks.
• The Redstreaks improve to 8-6 as they prepare to host the Adena Warriors Tuesday night.

PIKETON - During a 3-2 loss to Huntington late last week, Piketon's volleyball program turned a corner.

Playing without injured starting setter and team captain Maci Conley, the Redstreaks seized the first two sets on the road by simply outworking the Huntsmen alongside superb defense and better serve reception.

On Monday night, Piketon rode that wave of momentum to a sweep of Peebles at home and set its sights on its next opponent: Adena.

"Tonight was a game we came into thinking about how we were going to get better for (Tuesday)," Piketon coach Allison Robbins said. "We definitely worked out a few kinks. We had some kids making adjustments in roles they aren't all too familiar with. So it definitely got us to mesh in case that's something we have to do (against Adena). That Huntington game gave these girls a boost of energy, and they saw where they stand and who they could take. So they're ready for the rest of the season."

Conley made her return to the lineup against the Indians and, in limited time, aided the Redstreaks in a 25-15, 25-9, 25-19 victory. The sophomore continued to share her position with senior Kaylee Courtright as the duo consistently allowed their hitters to successfully attack Peebles' defensive front.

"For a long time, we ran a 5-1 rotation and we relied heavily on Kaylee in the back row," Robbins said. "When (Courtright) had to transition into Maci's spot when Maci went down with injury, we had to take her out of her defensive position. I'm just really proud of her and the way she handled that switch. She's such a versatile player. Maci is a hustler and she always has been. The girls are in a comfort zone with her. She does an amazing job as well. She knows where the ball needs to go."

Piketon (8-6) used a mix of outside hitter Cami Chandler and middle hitter Jordan Morris to down the Indians in Monday's first go-around.

After Peebles took a 3-2 lead, Chandler gave the 'Streaks a 4-3 lead with two consecutive kills. Morris then began a 7-0 run to make it a 13-5 edge — with Madison Conley on the serving line — before Piketon ended on an 8-0 run to win, 25-15.

In the second set, the Redstreaks led 5-3 before ripping off a 10-0 run as Madison Conley once again had success serving, taking a 15-3 advantage. That trend would continue throughout as Piketon took a 2-0 match lead with a convincing 25-9 victory.

Dakotah Zaph got into the action in the third as she spearheaded a game-opening 6-1 run with a block and a kill. Chandler took matters from there with three consecutive kills and a block to give the Redstreaks an 11-1 edge. However, this time, Peebles fought back as the Indians went on a run of their own, to the tune of 13-5, cutting the deficit to 16-14.

But Chandler was having none of it as she posted four more kills in the closing serves, leading the Redstreaks to a 25-19 win.

"We're really fortunate that we have the luxury of having both Cami and Jordan in our lineup," Robbins said. "They both work really well off of each other, and when they're clicking, it's hard to stop them."

Chandler finished with 25 kills, two blocks and seven digs. Morris had 13 kills, 11 digs and three blocks. Madison Conley finished with a team-high 20 digs and three aces, while Maci Conley ended with four aces and 25 assists. Lexi Frasher also pitched in with six kills, while Zaph had a kill and three blocks.

As mentioned, the Redstreaks will now look toward Adena, whom they host Tuesday night in Scioto Valley Conference action.

dwebb@chillicothegazette.com

Twitter: @dw1509