Sharkey, Feuerbach lead Sycamore past Ottawa

SYCAMORE — Outside hitters Kylie Feuerbach and Caylee Sharkey powered the Sycamore attack in a 25-14, 25-12 win against Ottawa on Thursday.

In each game, the Spartans (5-9) looked far more dominant with Feuerbach and Sharkey leading the charge.

“We knew that service was going to be really important this game,” Sharkey said. “And I think we executed that really well, starting from the beginning. And then just being fast, high energy really worked for us.”

Sharkey was a great example of that energy, recording seven hits in the first game with zero errors. Mainly attacking from the left side of the court, she had three kills as a result of high-powered strikes.

“I've been playing with the lineup, trying to figure out who hits better off of who,” Sycamore coach Jennifer Charles said. “For the most part, [Feuerbach and Sharkey] are doing a good job of on staying patient, staying disciplined, reaching high and playing a really good solid game. They've had actually two back-to-back good games recently.”

That lineup shuffle comes as this young Sycamore team – only two starters and four players total are seniors – tries to find its identity after a rough start to the season.

“We started off the season kind of slow,” Charles said. “But I think we're building momentum. I'm very pleased with that, going into next week with a few more conference games.”

As for Ottawa, it was a night that Ottawa coach Jennifer Crum said had almost no positive takeaways from a playing standpoint.

However, she’s confident that this Pirates team is far better than what they showed on the road.

“On the good side, we know that that's not us,” Crum said. “We know that we can do better next time and go back to how we used to play. … Sycamore was more aggressive and their hitters put the ball on the court more than we did.”

Ottawa had threatening moments, taking an early 8-4 lead in the first game at a time when the Spartans had sustained issues keeping hits inbounds, but the Pirates struggled to keep pace once Sycamore found its groove.

Aside from that early lapse, each game was a cohesive showing for the hosts as their energy won out.

“Being fast, high-energy really worked for us. Honestly, just fake it till you make it,” Sharkey said. “Even when you're losing, you gotta be up and cheering every point and just cheering on your teammates. It's really important.”

By the numbers: Sycamore displayed quality depth in the second game, as four players recorded two or more kills but only two players recorded two-plus errors.

Beyond the stats: Sharkey capped off the first game in authoritative fashion when she aggressively blocked an Ottawa spike to the floor.

They said it: “When you dig yourself a hole, now you've gotta dig it back out,” Crum said about her team’s difficulties. “It has a lot to do with just pulling yourself back together and worrying about one thing at a time, making a play work and then going from there.”

Up next: Sycamore travels to Sandwich on Tuesday. Ottawa is also on the road in their next matchup as they face Rochelle on Wednesday.