CORRY ― Payton McCray remained conscious of the trend even in victory.
McCray, a senior setter for Corry's girls volleyball team, said she and her teammates have struggled during second sets this season. The reasons for that remain unknown.
Wednesday's 25-22, 27-25, 25-22 sweep of fellow PIAA power Clarion was no exception.
This time, though, the difference wasn't the Beavers still won that marathon second set but how they won it.
Corry took a 2-0 lead after rallying from a 22-15 deficit against the District 9 Bobcats. The Beavers also saved four consecutive set points amid their comeback.
"I guess it's easy to get down on yourself and say, 'We're going to lose.'" McCray said. "But then we slowly attacked them (during the rally) and that started to build the anticipation. Then, we just let it all out."
The hosts did so during a rare meeting between teams ranked first in the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association's most recent polls. The Beavers were listed as the state's best Class 2A program, while Clarion was atop the Class 1A standings.
Wednesday's result should leave Corry first for its poll. The Beavers, who won the 2016 PIAA 2A tournament, improved to 6-0 in duals.
Clarion dropped to 3-2. The Bobcats are still expected to contend for a fourth 1A state title since they claimed their first in 2012.
"I told the girls before the match that there aren't many times they're going to get to play in this type of an environment," Corry coach Kelly Goodsel said. "The stands were packed, we got a great (public address) announcer and the student section was fantastic.
"This was terrific, and it was fun."
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Grace Allen and Halle Albers each recorded eight kills for Corry, which tends to spread the wealth for that statistic. Allison Sawyer added another seven kills and four blocked shots.
"We know we have to trust each other, which is our motto for the year," Allen said.
McCray finished with 20 assists and seven digs from the Beavers' backcourt. Haley Mumau contributed 11 assists and Makenna Moore 18 digs.
Hadlee Campbell, daughter of Clarion coach Shari Campbell, led the Bobcats with nine kills and 10 digs. The senior was voted to last season's 1A all-state team even though she only appeared in 12 matches due to a shoulder injury.
Who's next
Wednesday's dual was the second of three in as many nights for the Beavers. They'll conclude their busy week with Thursday's action against another clutter of visiting Bobcats, those from nearby Seneca.
Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNcopper.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Corry sweeps Clarion in match pitting state's best 2A and 1A girls volleyball teams
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