A 12-3 run by the Lady Eagles helped them capture the early momentum, and they rode that to a four-set win over Republic Tuesday, 25-22, 25-15, 16-25, 25-22.
Republic jumped ahead 14-10 midway through the first set, but the Nixa run allowed them to take a five-point lead at 22-17. Republic scored four straight to get the lead down to one, but Nixa held on by winning three of the last four points.
The second set was the most lopsided of the night, with Nixa cruising to a 25-15 win, but Republic responded in the third. The Lady Tigers scored seven of the first eight points. After Nixa cut the lead to 7-5, Republic won five of six points to lead 12-6. Nixa got the lead down to two a couple times, but never got closer, and Republic pulled to within a set with a 25-16 win.
The Lady Tigers got out to a quick lead in the fourth set as well, thanks to kills by Rilynn Finley, Reese Frey, and Alaina Norman early. Republic led by as many as five points at 11-6, but Nixa went on a 9-2 run to regain the momentum. The score was tied four times over the next eight points, but Nixa scored seven of the last 11 points to secure the win.
Brooklyn Claxton had 28 assists, but her first one of the night was a major milestone, giving her 1,000 for her career.
Rilynn Finley had 20 kills. Norman had 13.
Addison Fanning led the team with 19 digs. Reese Finley added 11, and Norman had 10. Rilynn Finley and Adison Gibbs each had three blocks. Lexi Mitchell led Republic with two service aces.
The loss ends a 10-match win streak for Republic. The Lady Tigers travel to Webb City for another COC match Thursday. Republic is 20-5 overall, and 4-2 in the COC.
