Shanahan makes quick work of Unionville, stays perfect in Ches-Mont

DOWNINGTOWN >> Bishop Shanahan was not messing around Tuesday, and Unionville was on the receiving end.

The Eagles wasted no time in adding to their already perfect Ches-Mont League record with a straight-sets win over Unionville, 25-9, 25-12, 25-12, staying on top of the league with a 4-0 mark.

[PHOTO GALLERY FROM TUESDAY’S MATCH]

“We definitely came out strong especially after our tournament this past weekend,” said Bishop Shanahan outside hitter Alexa Marcum. “We didn’t let up at all. We came up against a team that has a lot of good hitters and we played defense and did a great job.”

Marcum was the most prolific server Tuesday to go along with her nine digs. Marcum’s serves often put Unionville in bad positions for returns.

“Unionville is supposed to be one of the teams that will be challenging for the league title,” said Bishop Shanahan head coach Greg Ashman. “They are facing some injuries and sickness today which hurts. But they put up a good fight.”

The Eagles were able to establish leads early in all three sets, and at that point, and it was too much for Unionville to overcome.

“We’ve got to keep trying hard,” said Unionville head coach Clee Brun. “Obviously Shanahan is a top team in the state but we want to be there too. And I think we can be there. I think we are that competitive and have the talent. But we have areas that need growth. By the end of the season, we will be able to match up against teams like this.”

A big part of what made Shanahan successful came from the impact of their setters.

“I love that the setters kept our hitters in rhythm today,” Ashman said. “We ran our middles a lot which is what we were trying to get more established. Our passing was really good tonight and coming off our tournament this past weekend playing some of the top teams in the state helped prepare us for our league.”

Renee Shultz and Ceandra Ashman were instrumental in setting up the Eagles’ hitters, combining for 21 out of the team’s 24 assists. Shultz had 10 assists and Ashman led the team with 11.

Ashman said getting the three-set win was especially important because the Eagles are focused on defending their home court.

Cara Shultz led the team in kills with 13 in 30 attempts to go along with six digs.

Even though Unionville lost, Brun is still optimistic the Indians can contend in their division.

“Realistically I think we are a top four or five team as a whole in the Ches-Mont,” Brun said. “I would be very surprised if we do not make district playoffs and think we would like to go a couple of rounds in. Depending on the growth during the season and hopefully, we see Bishop Shanahan again.”

Alli Lowe led Unionville with eight kills and 11 digs.

Bishop Shanahan will puts its perfect Ches-Mont record on the line Thursday against West Chester East.

“I don’t know what to expect from East,” Ashman said. “I haven’t heard anything about them other than they have a couple of wins. We’ll find out soon enough.”