York records 1,000th assist as Tiger Cubs sweep Vikings

The Greencastle Tiger Cub volleyball team ended a stretch of grueling and sometimes difficult matches on a positive note with a sweep of the West Vigo Vikings 25-22, 25-11, 25-18 Thursday night.

Following the Putnam County tournament over the weekend, the Cubs had a five-set victory on Monday followed by a loss to Northview on Wednesday before being able to close this stretch with the victory over the Vikings and also celebrated Meilani York’s 1,000th dig of her career.

The victory improved Greencastle’s record to 13-8 and 5-1 in the Western Indiana Conference. The Vikings fell to 2-12 on the season and a 1-6 conference record. The Cubs will take a well-deserved weekend rest as they prepare for another conference matchup next Tuesday with county rival, South Putnam.

“I’m really proud of all the girls. We had a tough one last night at Northview and tough one at Edgewood that went five because that is what we do,” Greencastle head coach Denise Meyer said.

The Cubs jumped out early on the Vikings. Allie Landry scored three aces in the first four points as Greencastle led 4-0.

After allowing West Vigo to rally within one point, the Cubs went on a 9-3 run to take command of the set. West Vigo closed within a point at 18-17, but Keely Amis had a dink and block to boost the lead back up and then closed out the match with a pair aces while Landry had a kill for the 25-22 victory.

In the opening play of the first set, York picked up her 1,000th career dig. The game was stopped to celebrate the occasion.

“My teammates are so supportive and to get this is such an honor. I am really glad I got this at home with my family and people from out of town,” York said after reaching the mark. The junior libero joined fa ellow classmate with a milestone as Landry already recorded her 1,000th career assist.

“Our junior class is going leave their mark on this program. It is really special to be a part of,” Meyer said.

The second set saw both squads play evenly early, but the Cubs went on a 12-1 run behind dinks and kills from Makenzie Creviston and Rhoan Amis to establish a commanding 21-9 lead.

The Cubs then closed out the match with a pair of Creviston points and an ace by York. The 25-11 victory gave Greencastle a 2-0 lead in the match.

Greencastle fell behind in the third set early with some errors, but turned 5-2 deficit into a 12-10 lead with Keely Amis and Ellie Knuth leading the charge.

The turning point of the final set came on a great rally by both teams that Greencastle picked up to go up 17-13. The versatility of Greencastle was on display as the front line had a pair of blocks during the rally and York showed off her digging ability allowing the team to continue with several kill attempts.

The Cubs used three more Knuth points, and the game finished on another Landry ace for the 25-18 win and a 3-0 sweep.

“We have a lot of girls playing well. Ellie was really good. Hayley Owens has real good swing from the right side. Meilani is really special, and I am so happy for her,” Meyer said.