It worked, as Springfield built a devastating 11-1 lead, won the fifth game 15-5 and the match 25-16, 23-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-5 on Thursday, Sept. 24.
What did Bowling Green State University-bound Butterfield say to her teammates?
“I told them to play as a team because that’s what we do best,” said Butterfield, who had team highs of 14 kills and 17 digs. “We had a disappointing loss Tuesday (3-2 at Centerville), and we couldn’t let that happen again.
“That was the best team play we’ve had this year. Everyone was in their right spots, doing what they did best, and that allowed us to compete better.”
Taylor Johnson served 11 straight points in the deciding game after her team lost the first point, thanks in large part to strong net play of Butterfield and Kelsey Berrien. That was the exclamation point on a big win. For this was a crossroads for the Wildcats (11-1, 2-1).
“It restores some confidence in themselves,” said ’Cats coach Pete Cook. “I told them they are as good as teams like Beavercreek. Now they know they are.
“The kids played great as a team. We made some key adjustments in that fifth game and they were willing to do it.”
In further testament to the team theme, MaRanda Boddie-Cannon added 11 kills and six blocks, while Jaylene Berrien added 10 kills and 14 digs and Dani Schofield dished out 43 assists.
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