In an early season battle between two Delaware County squads, the Muncie Central Bearcats (4-5) take on the Daleville Broncos (11-1) in a non-conference matchup. This is Muncie Central’s only matchup against Daleville this season.

Muncie Central has yet to play a conference match in the North Central Conference(NCC), while Daleville leads the Mid-Eastern Conference(MEC) at 5-0.

The Broncos came into this game with a six game win streak, with three of those wins coming against conference opponents.

“[Those wins are] attributed to their strong teamwork and bond both on and off the court.” Head coach Gayle Hicks said.

Senior Trishell Johnson has been a standout player for Daleville this season, posting a 0.398 hitting percentage which leads the team, and 4.3 kills-per-set which is second on the team. Johnson, who is in the midst of her senior season, said this year is about growth.

“I view it more as an opportunity to improve before playing at the next level rather than a sad end to my career.”

Daleville started off hot, starting the first set 5-0 thanks to senior Cassidy Rees scoring on five straight serves. The momentum swung in Muncie Central’s favor for a few points, but ultimately the Broncos were able to take the first set, 25-14.

Although Muncie Central’s student section made their presence known, Dalevill was still able to stay in the driver’s seat. Putting together a swift second set performance, the Broncos were able to take the second set 25-16.

Johnson explained that the strong start fueled the rest of the game.

“Starting strong in the first two sets boosts the team’s confidence and reduces stress, and it shows that we can recover from mistakes and maintain control of the game.”

The third set reflected the first two, with Daleville coming out striking and staying in complete control of the game. The Broncos were able to stay dominant and extend their win streak to seven games, taking the final set.

Daleville has a tournament coming up this weekend, and Hicks is confident in the team’s ability.

“In preparation for the upcoming tournament, it just involves making minor adjustments, such as cleaning up small details and improving communication.”

After the loss tonight, Muncie Central has a chance to bounce back against another Delaware County foe in the Delta Eagles. Head coach Chelsie Bilby knows her squad still has some things to learn as the season progresses.

“We just have to work better as a team, we have to want to play and want to work as a team. Teamwork is the biggest thing.”

Contact Kyle Stout via email at @kyle.stout@bsu.edu or on X @kylestoutdn

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