Beechwood sophomores Bella O’Brien and Rachel Lewandowski combined for 21 kills Wednesday night as the Tigers defeated state-ranked Simon Kenton in straight sets at home.
“A lot of our success comes from lifting each other up,” Lewandowski said. “We’ve also been working extra hard in practice to keep balls in play and nailing down what to do in specific situations,” O’Brien added.
Although Beechwood was without head coach Matt Long due to a family obligation, the Tigers showed no signs of slowing down.
Lewandowski got the Tigers going early as she produced four of the team’s first six points in the opening set. Beechwood was able to keep a sizable lead throughout the set as Simon Kenton struggled with nine first set unforced errors.
Taking the first set 25-17, the Tigers got everyone involved as six players produced kills in the set. Aside from the team’s recent three-game win streak, Beechwood found an added boost of momentum from the Beechwood student section.
“The energy in the gym was crazy,” Lewandowski said. “With homecoming week and everything, I think we fed off the crowd a little more than normal tonight.”
Tied at six, the second set seemed sure to deliver a back and forth battle as Simon Kenton’s kill leaders Jenna Kitchens and Keira Hans were finally able to break into the match. Combining for over 400 kills on the season, the Pioneer duo were held to just 10 kills combined on the night compared to the combined 24 against Ryle the night before.
Like Lewandowski, O’Brien went on a tear of her own. The outside hitter had five second set kills as the tied score jumped from 13-7 to 25-14.
“The main thing is that we have each other’s back at all times,” O’Brien said. “We did a great job of that tonight and I think it really showed through to how we executed.”
Beechwood’s offensive efficiency was a product of their defense as digs from O’Brien and juniors Kendale Lair and Maggie Dawson made it difficult for the Pioneers to sustain long rallies. The third set delivered more of the same as the Tigers were able to hold a manageable lead to claim the final set 25-15.
Wednesday night’s match capped a third-straight loss for Pioneers, all to 9th Region opponents. Playing nothing short of an easy schedule, Simon Kenton took on All “A” state champions St. Henry last week and an experienced Ryle program Tuesday night.
“On a positive note, we had people on the bench come into the match and hustle their butts off,” Simon Kenton head coach Amy Marx said.
Still 18-4 on the year, Simon Kenton remains as one of the 8th Region favorites as the team began the season on a 17-game win streak. A team not to take off your radar just yet, the Pioneers will look to redeem themselves on Friday with matches against Bourbon County and Bryan Station.
“I expect that we’ll go down there, get back at it, and get it back together,” Marx said. “Hope to get back to the way we know how to play.”
Capping off their fourth straight win, Beechwood had seven different players with offensive contributions including five with five or more kills. Sitting at 13-6 on the season, the Tigers are hitting their stride at the right time.
O’Brien and Lewandowski have combined for over 250 kills so far, sophomore setter Skylr Estep leads the team with more than 350 assists, and Dawson has over 170 digs at libero.
With seven matches remaining in the regular season, Beechwood has the perfect opportunity to continue their winning success into tournament time.
“I think we’re ready,” Lewandowski said. “It’s hard not to get excited about it.”
Not backing down to a challenge, the Tigers could face state No. 1 Notre Dame in the 35th District tournament with potential 9th Region threats St. Henry and Ryle lead as top contenders as well.
“You always look forward to the opportunity of playing your rivals,” O’Brien said. “Everything we’ve been applying to our game in the past month has made a huge difference. We’re excited about where we’re headed and hope to see greater things in the future.”
Beechwood will take on Newport Thursday night at home before the homecoming break.
Some more photos from Wednesday night’s matchup below taken by Charles Bolton:
