Lady Archers Win Districts!

Both the Antwerp Archers and the Hicksville Aces advanced to the district finals on Thursday, October 27 to face each other at Defiance. It appeared that the Lady Aces were going to win this match after their first set win of the night.

Antwerp had a lot to prove on this night after losing to Hicksville in three sets previously in the season and Hicksville had the most to lose, being ranked first in the green meadows conference.

In set two, the Antwerp Archers picked up quite a few points and actually out scoring the Aces by nine points at one time. It looked like Hicksville stacked the deck against themselves. Though the Aces do not give up easily, they were able to come back and get within a point of Antwerp. The Archer fans were on their feet cheering and pounding the seats and the motivation came back to the Lady Archer, they ended up winning in overtime.

The third set, Antwerp was able to score the first point but the Aces were able to take the early lead. Both teams were pounding the court and the score was very close through the whole set. This game was really close also when it went into overtime. But Antwerp was able to come back with Chloe Franklin’s assists, spikes by Rachel Williamson, and serves by Sydney Sheedy.

Set four was also a closer match as Hicksville took an early lead but it slowly eroded to Antwerp’s power at the net. Points were going back-and-forth until Antwerp was able to grab a stronger hold towards the end with serves by Hope Smith . Right before the end though Hicksville was able to earn a several more points and they made the game very close again when Hicksville tied the game at 23. The Archers were able to take the game in the final set and win the District Final Championship.

According to Coach Paul Stoll This is the first time the lady Archers have won districts since 2009. Coach Stoll said he was very proud of these girls and what they have accomplished this year. For Paul, this is his sixth time going to Regionals.

Aces were the number one seed in the bracket. Pettysville, who Antwerp defeated on Tuesday night, was ranked second, and Antwerp was ranked third.

Congratulations to the Antwerp Lady Archers on their win and congratulations to Hicksville on their fantastic season.

Antwerp improves to 19-6 on the season while Hicksville closes at 20-5.

Antwerp over Hicksville 17-25, 25-16, 27-25, 25-23

Antwerp Statistical Leaders: Chloe Franklin – 22 assists; Peyton Short – 22 assists, 14-15 serving, one ace, one block, nine digs; Sydney Sheedy – 21-22 serving, one ace, eight digs, 12 kills; Rachel Williamson – 24-24 serving, three aces, four blocks, 30 kills; Hope Smith – 17-17 serving, one blocks, two kills, 20 digs; Kaitlyn Hamman – one block, nine kills; Lindsey Bok – six digs

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