Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

The Western Boone Stars opened up conference play on the road Thursday night with a dramatic comeback victory over North Putnam. The match started in North Putnam's favor, as the Cougars applied relentless pressure from the service line to claim the first two sets, 25-21 and 25-19. With their backs against the wall, it looked as though North Putnam might run away with the match. But in the third set, the Stars found their footing. An adjustment in rotations gave senior Emmerson Gott a chance to spark momentum at the net. Adjustments made to the defense helped WeBo to stay in system more and rally out. Western Boone battled point for point, showing true resilience and refusing to back down. Their fight paid off, as they finished out the third set 27-25 to stay alive. The shift in energy carried into the fourth set, where the Stars dominated with teamwork and confidence, cruising to a 25-13 win. The deciding fifth set proved a nail-bitter, but Western Boone stayed calm under pressure, grinding out a 15-13 victory to secure their first conference win of the season. "The key tonight was staying calm, working together, and winning the mental battle," said Coach Heide. "I'm proud of how the team stepped up after a tough start and finished strong. They left everything on the court." The lady Stars look to carry this momentum into the weekend with the Western Boone Tournament.