Two things contributed to Whiteland’s first win of the season on Tuesday night — hard work and leadership.
Throw in resilience.
The host Warriors had a lot of that, too, in beating Mid-State Conference rival Greenwood 26-24, 18-25, 26-24 and 25-16.
Not only was it the first win for Whiteland (1-6, 1-1), snapping a seven-match losing streak that dated back to last year, but it was also the first time the Warriors won a set this season as they were shut out in their previous matches.
“We do have a good team,” said Whiteland coach Jenny Munn, who was back on the sidelines just days after giving birth. “We’ve been battling, but leadership has been our thing. Who’s going to take control? And they all decided they were going to chime in and that’s exactly what we did. It was great!”
It was that leadership that helped Whiteland overcome some challenges, including Greenwood leads, miscommunication and several unforced errors.
Greenwood (1-8, 0-2) had its chances to keep the Warriors winless, taking leads in all four sets — including an 8-1 lead in the third that could have put Whiteland away, but Warrior leadership and resilience played a big role as Whiteland got that set and used the momentum to topple the Woodmen in the fourth.
Munn said junior Sophia Dyer had a big game along with freshman Makayla Sanders, who hit a rhythm with several outstanding blocks and kills.
The Warriors also had one of her players in an unfamiliar role, but it ended up paying off.
“Lexy Ottney had never been a center before, but she played it and really showed her colors. I was so proud of them. It was a full team effort,” Munn said.
Greenwood coach Zach Mackie was upbeat despite the loss, thanks to some gritty performances by his team.
“It’s always tough when we play Whiteland,” Mackie said. “Today they just got us. That was the best competitive battle we’ve had. I love this environment; everybody was into it.”
Up next for Whiteland is a home match with unbeaten and highly regarded New Palestine on Thursday. Greenwood will also be in action Thursday at another Johnson County opponent, Indian Creek.
