Barnstable 3, Case 1

The top-ranked Barnstable Red Raiders rolled forward in their undefeated season with a 3-1 defeat of nonconference foe Case, in a battle of 11-0 teams in Hyannis. Host Barnstable took the first (25-20), third (25-8), and fourth (25-19) sets, after losing a back-and-forth battle to the No. 3 Cardinals in the second set, 26-24. Barnstable coach Tom Turco believed costly errors and lack of energy allowed Case to close the gap too many times. ‘‘What was lacking in Game 2 and Game 4 was energy,'' Turco said. ‘‘They were flat out there. They beat them, 25-8, in the third game and instead of wanting to put them away, they start making mistakes. You need to up the focus and up the energy level.'' Barnstable raced out to a 12-4 lead in the opening set before the Cardinals rebounded to make it close before dropping a 5-point decision. The switch in momentum allowed Case to keep pace with the defending Division 1 champion. The teams tied 15 times in the second set, which ended with a picture-perfect hit by Case senior outside hitter Jenn Cabral (13 digs) for the win. Barnstable took revenge in the third set, going on a 16-4 run to close it, anchored by 6-foot senior middle hitter Kaylee Deluga, who had 18 kills, 11 digs, and 3 blocks. Aine Cole added 11 digs, 11 kills, and 3 blocks. The final set was reminiscent of the second, but Barnstable was able to capitalize on Lynne Hibbard's spike to tie it at 14-14, paving the way for an 11-5 run that sealed the victory. Case senior setter Megan Armburg recorded 23 assists.