TCNE Wolfpack Grit Out Two Comeback Wins at Howells-Dodge Triangular
Launch the media gallery 1 playerTCNE Wolfpack Grit Out Two Comeback Wins at Howells-Dodge Triangular
The TCNE Wolfpack packed their toughness and resilience on the road Tuesday, September 9, traveling to Howells-Dodge Consolidated School for a triangular showdown against the host Jaguars and the Pender Pendragons. Twice the Wolfpack found themselves on the ropes, and twice they clawed their way back to victory, securing a pair of three-set thrillers that showcased both their depth and determination.
Match One: Wolfpack vs. Jaguars
Howells-Dodge came out swinging, capitalizing on early Wolfpack miscues to seize the opening set 25-14. But the Wolfpack didn’t flinch. Behind the steady setting of Ally Belt, who recorded 25 assists in the match, TCNE found their offensive rhythm.
Outside hitter Kiya Tornez lit up the court with a match-high 15 kills, sparking a second-set rally that saw the Wolfpack edge out a 25-22 win. The battle stayed tight in the decisive third, but TCNE’s composure at the net and in the backrow proved the difference as they closed out another 25-22 set to seal the comeback victory.
Freshman middle hitter Delany Fuchser added four blocks to stymie the Jaguar attack, while libero Emily Mitchell anchored the defense with 22 digs. Joslyn Mackling contributed 18 digs, 28 serve-receive passes, and three of the Wolfpack’s seven service aces, demonstrating her all-around impact.
Match Two: Wolfpack vs. Pendragons
The second contest of the night was no less dramatic. Pender jumped ahead early, taking the first set 25-16, but once again the Wolfpack fought back. In a back-and-forth second set, TCNE dug deep to claim a narrow 25-23 win, forcing a decisive third.
The finale turned into a heart-pounding duel, with both teams trading punches until the Wolfpack finally edged out a 27-25 victory. Joslyn Mackling again delivered in a starring role, leading the Wolfpack attack with 8 kills. The team’s serving pressure proved critical, racking up 13 aces overall. Briley Anderson paced the line with 4 aces, while Mackling added 3.
Mitchell and Mackling were defensive dynamos once again, each digging 18 Pendragon attacks. At the net, Fuchser chipped in with a timely block, while Belt added 11 assists to keep the Wolfpack offense firing. In serve-receive, Mackling (24) and Mitchell (22) showed consistency under pressure.
A Night of Resilience
Both victories followed the same script: a shaky start, a determined rally, and clutch execution when it mattered most. For the Wolfpack, the night was proof of balance—front-line firepower from Tornez and Mackling, defensive leadership from Mitchell, and steady orchestration from Belt. Freshman, Cora Ridenour had to step in at vital point in the game for Tornez, who was dealing with an injury. Ridenour was impressive with her tenacity and determination, keeping the ball alive.
With two come-from-behind wins on the road, TCNE not only left Howells-Dodge with a clean sweep but also with confidence that they can weather adversity and thrive in pressure moments.