By THOMAS HERRIN

cnsports@crescent-news.com

PAULDING -- A pair or rookie coaches, each looking for the first wins of their careers, went head-to-head when the Defiance High School volleyball team invaded Paulding on Tuesday night.

In the end, it was Defiance's Brooke Buti who led her Lady Bulldogs to a 25-18, 18-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11 victory over McKayla Kunesh and her Lady Panthers.

"This is a huge game for us, we have our league opener on Thursday, so this worked wonders in eliminating the first-game jitters and building some confidence," said Buti.

"I am very proud of our team," stated Kunesh. "We came out and kept fighting, that's what makes a great volleyball team. The girls did a great job, and we are only going up from here."

Defiance blasted its way to a quick win in game one behind the serving power of Brandi Wagner, who picked up three aces, and the explosive abilities of Danielle Tumblin and Renee Riedel at the net.

"Brandi Wagner did an awesome job stepping up and staying focused and serving aggressively," said Buti. "That was huge for us. Renee Riedel pulled off some amazing defensive plays as well. There were several times I thought the ball was going down, yet she somehow managed to get it back in the air for us."

Shaking off the shock of the loss of the first set, Paulding rallied behind the key defensive play of Ashley Myers. With Paulding leading 18-15 in the second set, Myers launched herself to pick up a nice dig. Paulding continued to control the defense to tie the game at a set each.

But the third game went to Defiance, who took control for a 25-16 win.

"I am really pleased with how well Danielle Tumblin played," said Buti. "She just stepped into this role about a week ago. She has done a great job settling in and everyone has adjusted well to her."

"Tobias is really smart," added Buti. "Especially when she plays up front. She is a really great hitter, and knows when she needs to tip or what to do to place the ball. She is an extremely hard hitter too. When she smacks the ball it's really hard for the other team to pick it up. She has become a great leader for us, she really helps keep this team together."

With their backs against the wall and looking down the barrel of a loss, the Lady Panthers dug deep to edge Defiance 25-23 in the fourth game to force a game five behind the killing strength of Mesa Pracht and the continued defensive dominance of Myers.

"Myers and the rest of our defense did a great job," said Kunesh. "They really came through to help keep us in the game."

Paulding jumped out to a quick lead in the final game under Danielle Grindstaff's killing fury. With the Lady Bulldogs behind in points and facing a loss, Tumblin took her spot on the serving box and scored back-to-back aces to push her team in front.

With Defiance leading 13-8, Reidel came up with what would prove to be a game-saving dig, allowing the Lady Bulldogs to maintain control of the ball and to finish off the match.

"It's so exciting," said Buti. "I have to admit I was pretty nervous for a while. It's great to get this win under our belt and shake off the first game jitters."

Defiance returns to action on Thursday at Ottawa-Glandorf in its WBL opener.

At Paulding

Defiance def. Paulding, 25-18, 18-25, 25-16, 23-25, 15-11

Defiance (1-0) - Allie Greiwe 8-9 serving, 37-37 serve receive, 41-42 passing, 27 digs; Diandra Lopez 9-12 serving, 19-24 hitting, 3 blocks; Lindsey Tobias 18-19 serving, 4 aces, 21-24 hitting, 14 blocks; Aurora Lopez 13-14 serve receive, 19-21 passing, 10 digs; Anna Meyer 12-12 passing, 3 digs, 48-50 setting; Anna Schrag 15 blocks; Danielle Tumblin 10-12 serving, 24-29 hitting, 9-12 passing, 66-69 setting; Brandi Wagner 17-20 serving, 5 aces, 5 blocks, 10-1 passing.

Paulding (0-1): Morgan Hammon 7 kills, 14-14 serving, 3 blocks, 13 digs; Ashley Meyers 8 kills, 17-19 serving, 17-18 serve receive, 9 digs; Kelsie Carnahan 5 kills 14-15 serve receive, 11-12 serving, 13 digs; Danielle Grindstaff 7 kills, 9 digs.

Reserves: Defiance, 25-14, 16-25, 25-19.