By Joseph Bell

Record Staff Writer

JOHNSONBURG – The Ramettes used consistent passing throughout the night to overcome the visiting Curwensville Lady Tide 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-20).
The Ramettes' service game was also unwavering, especially in the third set as junior Becca Myers recorded five consecutive service points to break a 12-12 tie, giving Johnsonburg the lead for good. Sophomore Justis Myers later scored three service points, including an ace to put her team up 24-18 before a miscue at the net by Curwensville sealed the win for the Ramettes.
"I thought it was a team effort and I thought we passed better than we have in the last couple games," Johnsonburg head volleyball coach Bill Shuey said. "I think they recognized that when you play a good-hitting team like Curwensville, we have to hit at them and the only way we can hit at them is if we get a pass and a set."
According to Shuey, these points have been emphasized in recent practices.
"So we practiced on our passing and they're good passers if they move their feet and anticipate," Shuey said. "I thought we passed well."
With a 23-13 second set lead after a kill by sophomore Cody Anderson, the Ramettes experienced some difficulty closing out the set to go up 2-0.
"Just some things turned (Curwensville's) way and they earned the points," Shuey said. "They played good defense against the kill."
But the visiting team had no answer for a kill by Justis Myers during the first set, which gave the Ramettes a 21-16 lead. Justis Myers then went on to record four straight service points to secure the first set.
While errors were minimal, Shuey said some fell against his team.
"I thought some of the middle tips, we got most of them, but we probably should have had all of them," Shuey said.
Shuey also gave credit to the Lady Tide's libero.
"Curwensville blocked well and I love their libero. You look at her technique and form, she was a great passer and she looked good doing it," Shuey said. "She did it the right way and when we hit the libero, they usually got a nice pass to the setter."
Shuey said he slightly altered his team's game plan to compensate.
"We had to stay away from her because of her ability," Shuey said. "But they had a good libero and a good tall team that could hit the ball."
Next up for the Ramettes, who have lost twice this season, is an away game Thursday, Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. against Sheffield.