CLARKS SUMMIT — Abington Heights took a commanding early lead, but Blue Ridge finished strong to defeat the Comets, 3-2, in a Lackawanna League boys volleyball match May 9.

The Red Raiders won the last six points of the fifth set, capped by an ace from Corbin French, to win the match after dropping the first two sets.

“My boys have a lot of heart,” Blue Ridge head coach Lori Zick said.” Their heads were hanging for a long time, probably through the first two and a half games. It took them a long time to get going, start believing in themselves again, and get the momentum and carry it through.”

Matt Pacyna had three assists and George Kronick had two kills to help Abington Heights (8-3) win the first set, 25-23.

“Our serve receive was really good, our middle hitters did a good job blocking and we were really smart with our swings in the first set,” Abington Heights head coach Jamie Spangler said.

Eric Brickel had three kills and a block, and Dan Munley added three kills to lead Abington Heights to a 25-22 win in the second set.

“We played really well in the first two sets,” Spangler said. “I think we were kind of pressing a little bit in the last three, but give (Blue Ridge) credit, they played well. When they stepped up, I think we got a little too careful.”

Blue Ridge (12-0) led by six points, 20-14, in the third set. Abington Heights answered by winning seven of the next eight points to knot the score at 21, but a kill by Cameron Franks clinched the set for the Red Raiders.

“In the third game, we finally started to get some hits that went down hard,” Zick said. “We got a couple of those in a row. It gave us something to cheer about and was a momentum boost.”

Garrett Mansfield had four kills and a block to help Blue Ridge claim the fourth set, 25-19, and tie the match, 2-2.

“We didn’t have confidence in our passes and swings, and we weren’t really challenging them defensively,” Spangler said. “I think their confidence grew as the game went on and ours didn’t.”

Despite the loss, Spangler is confident his team will finish the season on a positive note. The Comets will host Mountain View Thursday before district playoff action begins May 17.

“There’s a pretty good chance we’ll see (Blue Ridge) again in the playoffs and I think our confidence is still high,” Spangler said. “We’ll be able to bounce back.”

Abington Heights’ Eric Brickel, left, and Evan Florey jump to block the ball during a Lackawanna League boys volleyball match against Blue Ridge May 9.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_ABJ-AH-Volleyball-1.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights’ Eric Brickel, left, and Evan Florey jump to block the ball during a Lackawanna League boys volleyball match against Blue Ridge May 9. Stephanie Walkowski | For Abington Journal

Abington Heights’ Dan Munley attempts to spike the ball during a Lackawanna League boys volleyball match against Blue Ridge May 9.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_ABJ-AH-Volleyball-2.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights’ Dan Munley attempts to spike the ball during a Lackawanna League boys volleyball match against Blue Ridge May 9. Stephanie Walkowski | For Abington Journal

Abington Heights’ Pat McGrail sets the ball during a Lackawanna League boys volleyball match against Blue Ridge May 9.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_ABJ-AH-Volleyball-3.jpg.optimal.jpgAbington Heights’ Pat McGrail sets the ball during a Lackawanna League boys volleyball match against Blue Ridge May 9. Stephanie Walkowski | For Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.