GLADSTONE — A hard fought defensive battle led

The Braves were able to overcome some slow starts in two of the three sets to earn the win.

In the first set the Emeralds jumped out to an early 6-2 lead on a big block at the net by junior MaKenna Davis. The Emeralds extended the lead to 9-4 on back-to-back aces by sophomore Kendyl Flodin, with one of them landing just inside the line in the corner.

“Our defense was great tonight,” Emeralds coach Amy Nixon said. “They didn’t pound the ball down on us except that one big play and I contributed that to our defense.”

The Braves scored eight of the next 12 points to cut the deficit to 13-12. Then tied the game at 15 on a block by senior Lillie Johnson. Then took their first lead of the game at 16-15 on the next serve.

Manistique answered b

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