Clarion edged the Dragons in the second set, but good, consistent play allowed Warren to string together multiple-point streaks in the third and fourth sets. Senior Madelyn Nosel clinched the match with a game-winning kill.

Attie Corey led the Dragons with three aces while Nosel tallied 20 kills with Corey contributing 13 of her own. Twenty-eight digs came from libero Malysia Sorensen with Nosel having 21 and Paiden Johnson getting into double digits with 13. Lilly Newton notched two blocks at the net and Brynn Norris passed very well to the tune of 36 assists.

“These are the kind of tests we need heading into playoffs,” Warren head coach Mike Dolan said. “Clarion is a great program as they’re difficult to score on and they have a terrific setter and outside hitter. Madelyn Nosel stepped up and had a great game, both attacking and on defense. Brynn Norris continues to put up good numbers as our main setter. Paiden Johnson did a great job on defense and in serve receive, and Malysia Sorensen continues to show that she’s one of the best liberos around.

“Our middles, Attie Corey and Lilly Newton are really working hard on becoming effective hitting options and putting up solid blocks. We love to see lots of people in the stands as the regular season winds down and we work on preparing for playoffs,” Dolan added.

Warren’s Lilly Newton sends the ball over the net during Monday’s out-of-district volleyball match against Clarion at Warren Area High School’s Joseph Massa Gymnasium. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

In jayvee play, Warren defeated Clarion 25-19, 25-19 to set the tone for the varsity match. The stats are as follows: Lara Pearson nine kills, three digs, two aces; Tia French four digs; Kendall Skerda three aces, three kills, three blocks; Michaela Dolan two kills, three digs, 16 assists; Maddy Snell four digs; Kelsey Johnson four kills, five digs; Adelaide Keeports, one kill, two digs, one block; Grace Schwab two aces, one kill, one assist; and Addison Brown one ace, two kills, two digs.

The girls are back in action today when they travel to Erie High to take on the Royals for a 6 p.m. jayvee start with varsity to follow.

“Our final region game is tomorrow at Erie and then we hope to see everyone come out to support our seniors at our final regular season home game which will be Senior Night on Thursday vs. Cochranton,” Dolan said, “where we recognize our terrific senior group of Peyton Wotorson, Lauren Fajbik, Attie Corey and Madelyn Nosel.”