Amherst Comets sweep, remain unbeaten

Amherst plays steady, disciplined game, takes advantage of Eagles’ errors

Amherst traveled to Avon and swept the Eagles to take sole possession of the Southwestern Conference.

Amherst traveled to Avon and swept the host Eagles, 3-0, Sept. 14 to take sole possession of the Southwestern Conference and remain undefeated.

The No. 18 Comets played what coach Laurie Cogan said was a steady, well-rounded game, and were able to take advantage of many uncharacteristic Avon errors.

“I said (to the team), ‘Just play steady and within yourself,’ ” Cogan said. “I was real proud of their court demeanor. They used the energy when they needed it but they stayed calm, they stayed relaxed, they stayed quick, and I just couldn’t be more proud.”

Amherst (11-0, 8-0 SWC) was led by Sarah Weigand with 10 kills, Tory Small with six and Sarah Farley with five.

Both defenses shined throughout the match, extending plays that many teams would struggle with. But Amherst out-blocked Avon all game and coach Julie Bendzuck said the Comets were successful in keeping her team out of system all night.

“Something was missing,” Bendzuck said. “We didn’t execute our game plan. We had more errors than I think we’ve had collectively in all nine matches before this.

“As a unit, you need to be clicking, and it’s OK if one thing’s a little bit off, but we were all over the place off. And props to Amherst. That is an awesome team. They were completely disciplined. They were doing everything they could to keep us out of system which is what great teams do.”

“(Avon’s) defense is as good as we’ve seen,” Cogan added.

“When you looked at the floor defense, it was outstanding on both sides of the net. I thought our net defense tonight was just a touch better.

“I think (Avon) plays very good net defense, but for whatever reason tonight we seemed to contain. You’re not going to stop their hitters.

“We know that. You have to try to contain to the best of your ability and, honestly, I thought we did that.”

Sydney Stone had 10 kills for Avon (8-1, 6-1), Gillian Romanchok had eight kills, Erin Gardner had 36 digs and Maddy Jerdonek had 21 assists.

RANDY MEYERS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Avon’s Katie Koziarz spikes the ball over Sarah Weigand of Amherst during the first set.

RANDY MEYERS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Tory Small of Amherst taps the ball in between Gillian Romanchok and Emma Abfall of Avon during the first set.

RANDY MEYERS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Emma Abfall of Avon taps the ball at London Voss and Tory Small of Amherst.