Taya Bailey lunges to dig a ball for Sheffield during their match against St Mary’s at Sheffield High School, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.

How a team serves can be the difference between success and failure on the volleyball court.

Sheffield was dominant in from the service line Thursday as the Wolverines scored 21 aces in a 25-17, 25-20 and 25-20 sweep of visiting St Mary’s.

Taya Bailey led the way with 12 service points, including seven aces on the night.

“Taya was mixing her serves really well,” Sheffield coach Melissa Lemay said.

The Dutch got in front early in the match as they led 4-1 to start the first set. The Wolverines answered with a 6-0 run. Both teams traded points before Sheffield was able to grab a 14-8 advantage. St Mary’s tried to rally, and got to 14-11, but Sheffield slammed the door behind that strong serving, as the Wolverines scored five of their seven aces in the set from that point on their way to a 25-17 win.

“We had a lot of good serves and a lot of good digs,” Lemay said.

The Dutch looked like they had found an answer in the second as they began asserting themselves at the net early and raced out to a 9-3 lead. Sheffield was able to get a side out, but a service error sent the ball right back to St Mary’s. The Wolverines continued to battle, getting to 13-12 and 15-14, before eventually tying the set 16-16. For the next few points, the Dutch would pull ahead, only to see the Wolverines tie. A Bailey ace gave Sheffield the lead at 19-18, and the Wolverines held on to win 25-20.

“I’m proud of the way we played tonight,” Lemay said. “Even when we were down, we battled back and didn’t quit.”

The teams battled to a 10-10 tie to open the third set before St Mary’s grabbed a 14-10 lead. Much like the second, Sheffield rallied and eventually pulled ahead for good at 19-18. The Wolverines got to match point at 24-20 and, fittingly, completed the sweep with an ace.

“We were playing aggressively tonight,” Lemay said. “Even when we were losing, we were still swinging hard and looking for the kill.”

Mya Grubbs had 12 assists and 17 digs for the Wolverines. Lexi Lyon added six kills and four blocks and Eliza Davidson had seven service points and five kills in the win.

With four games remaining in the season, Lemay said she fully believes her team can finish with a long winning streak.

“There’s no reason we can’t win our last four games,” she said.

The Wolverines will get the chance to prove her right beginning with a home match Tuesday against Kane.

JV ST MARY’S 2, SHEFFIELD 1

St Mary’s won the junior varsity contest 25-11, 26-28 and 15-6.

Selena Foster had 10 service points and four kills for Sheffield. Megan Johnson had 10 assists and four service points and Emily Leichtenberger had four kills and a block in the loss.

Sheffield’s Callen Copley serves during a match against St Mary’s at Sheffield High School, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. As a team, the Wolverines had 21 aces in a 25-17, 25-20 and 25-20 sweep of the Dutch.