New London swept at home by West Burlington

NEW LONDON — New London volleyball just couldn’t find its rhythm on Thursday night against No. 15 (Class 2A) West Burlington.

The Tigers were defeated by the Falcons in three straight sets, 25-11, 25-9 and 25-6.

New London came into the matchup with West Burlington off its first four wins of the season, but the Tigers couldn’t keep that momentum going against the Falcons.

In the opening set, it was the Tigers who jumped out to the early lead as back-to-back kills from Sophie Malott and Tysann Gipple followed by a Gipple block, the Tigers led 3-0.

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However, the Falcons flipped the set on its head with seven straight points, highlighted by three kills from Taryn Havener to make it 7-3.

New London was never able to make up the difference.

New London came as close as two after a kill from Morgan Jones cut the West Burlington lead to 9-7.

To the Tigers dismay, they were only able to score four more points the rest of the set.

After holding a 14-10 advantage, the Falcons pulled away with another run of seven straight points to push it to 21-10.

In the second frame, the Tigers and Falcons tied four times in the opening 14 serves.

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The final tie came at 7-7 after a point from the Tiger’s Kayla Strawhacker.

However, West Burlington delivered yet another big run.

The Falcons put together another seven point streak to take advantage, 14-7.

New London scored just two more points the rest of the match, as West Burlington moved to 2-0 in the match.

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In the third and final set, West Burlington jumped out to a 6-1 lead and they would never lose it.

The Falcons put together runs of eight and 10 in the final set, on their way to the 25-6 victory.

Leading New London on the night was Gipple with five kills. Malott ended with four.

Jones and Marlianna Woodsmall both finished with five assists.

Malott finished with a team-high 26 digs on the night. Gipple and Lillie Gallup each had 17.

New London drops to 4-13 on the season.