READING – Apparently, the Greencastle-Antrim girls volleyball team thrives on adversity.

Playing in the match to decide third place in the District 3 Class 3A tournament, plus a berth in the PIAA State Championships, the Blue Devils lost a starter on the front line in the first game for the second time in three matches.

Lily Kauffman

But despite losing that first set big, 25-12, to Berks Catholic, Greencastle rallied to capture the next three games, 25-23, 25-21 and 26-24.

“I am so proud,” G-A coach Corry Eagler said. “Already out a starting outside (Abby Eagler), we lost a starting middle (Emma Pool) halfway through the first set. There is so much talent and I competitive drive in this group.”

The Blue Devils (18-2) will take on Bald Eagle Area in the first round of states Tuesday.

Greencastle had a slow start, perhaps partly due to a two-hour bus ride.

”They also had a really low ceiling, and I think it took us a set to figure that out,” Eagler said.

Alaina Garling

Serving was clearly a big positive for G-A – it racked up 15 aces and committed only 3 service errors.

Lily Kauffman had 15 points and 6 aces, Wren Roberts scored 10 points and had 4 aces and Masalyna Miller had 9 points.

Eagler said, “Lots of aces and only three errors; it’s very infrequent that happens. It was a super strong serving match.”

The Blue Devils made some adjustments after the first game and their defense kept the Saints (18-3j at bay.

”We mixed up the offense a little and the right side and middles did well,” Eagler said. “They were hitting well and making connections.”

Alaina Garling, Kylie Kerns and Kauffman each had 11 kills and Miller had 6: and Kauffman had 3 blocks.

Kerns (22) and Garling (15) led in assists and the digs leaders were Roberts (21), Kerns (19), Miller (15), Brianna Woodring (14) and Garling (8).

“I can’t believe we’ve had two injuries up front, but it shows the depth we have,” Eagler said. “We don’t know about Emma yet, but we hope to have Abby back for Tuesday.”