NORTHROP – Behind a strong defensive effort, the Granada-Huntley-East Chain/Truman/Martin Luther Jaguars swept the United South Central Rebels 25-18, 25-16, 25-21 in a nonconference volleyball match on Thursday.

The Jaguars were led by Londyn Bowers’ 12 kills and 10 digs, while Keira Benck had four aces and 15 assists. Madisen Lewis added eight kills and an ace and Ashley Singleton had eight digs and two aces.

“Our defense was moving around really well,” said Jaguars volleyball head coach T.J. Williams. “There’s still things obviously we can work on. There’s a few balls that we should have gotten that we didn’t.”

The Jaguars opened up Set 1 with two quick points before a kill by Alivia Bruegger put an end to the run. The teams traded points back and forth for the duration of the set before the Jaguars were able to jump out to a 20-16 lead, then only giving up 2 more points before the Jaguars closed out the set 25-18.

Set 2 was in complete control of the Jaguars, who only fell behind after the first serve of the set. Immediately after giving up the first point, they took command from the Rebels and only allowed them to tie the set at 6-6. After that, they never allowed them within more than 3 points and claimed Set 2 by a score of 25-16.

The third set tested the resolve of the Jaguars after an early exchange of points saw the Jaguars out to a 6-4 lead. The Rebels went on a 5-0 run to take the lead 9-6 courtesy of handling errors, miscommunications and attack errors. The Jaguars were able to recompose themselves, starting off with a kill from Norah Chase. Another kill from Kayla Mattson and a block by Chase tied the set at 9-9.

Set 3 continued to be back and forth, with the Rebels taking a 10-9 lead. The Jaguars responded with a 5-point run started on an ace by Singleton. Lewis had three kills and Bowers had five kills in the set, only losing the lead one more time before closing out the set and match.

“We knew we had to win this game because last year we went five with them and dropped the fifth,” said Williams. “We know we can play with them, so we knew we had to come out strong.”