Wolfpack Power Past Lady Trojans to Open Homecoming Week with Road Victory
Wolfpack Power Past Lady Trojans to Open Homecoming Week with Road Victory
The TCNE Wolfpack started Homecoming week with energy and grit, grinding out a four-set road victory over the Wakefield Lady Trojans on Monday, September 29. In a match filled with long rallies, powerful serving, and clutch plays, the Wolfpack pulled away late to secure a 3-1 win (29-27, 20-25, 25-18, 25-19).
The opening set proved to be the tone-setter. Both teams traded leads with neither willing to back down. Behind aggressive swings from outside hitter Joslyn Mackling, the Wolfpack edged out a nail-biting 29-27 victory to grab early momentum. Wakefield countered in the second, capitalizing on Wolfpack miscues to even the match at 1-1 with a 25-20 win.
From there, TCNE’s serving pressure and balance at the net began to wear down the Lady Trojans. The Wolfpack tallied an impressive 17 aces as a team, using aggressive service runs to swing momentum in their favor. Mackling led the way from the line with 6 aces, while sophomore Maddie Franzluebbers came off the bench to deliver 4 clutch aces, giving TCNE an extra spark.
In the front row, Mackling’s offensive consistency proved unstoppable as she finished with a match-high 16 kills. Middle hitter Briley Anderson added grit at the net with the Wolfpack’s lone block, keeping Wakefield’s hitters in check during key moments.
Defensively, TCNE’s back row held strong against the Trojans’ attacks. Mackling paired her offense with a standout effort in the back court, recording 18 digs and 23 serve-receive passes. Libero Emily Mitchell anchored the defense, leading the way with a stellar 29 serve-receive passes while keeping rallies alive with scrappy floor play.
Setter Ally Belt steered the offense with 23 assists, keeping TCNE’s attack balanced and unpredictable while maintaining a fast tempo to outpace Wakefield’s blockers.
After Wakefield evened the match, the Wolfpack refocused and controlled the next two sets, taking them 25-18 and 25-19 to close out the victory.
The win improves TCNE’s momentum heading into a busy Homecoming week while highlighting their ability to generate offense not only from their hitters, but also from the service line. With Mackling leading the charge and a deep supporting cast stepping up, the Wolfpack look poised to continue their strong season run.