LEES CREEK – In a hard-fought battle to open the season, the East Clinton volleyball team was defeated by Tipp City Bethel 20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 18-25 Tuesday night in a non-league match.

“We have some kinks to work out but I am proud of our first game play,” EC coach Sarah Sodini said. “Bethel is a great team and killed us in the middle. We’re making adjustments and moving on to tomorrow.”

Statistically, Lacey Peterman had 22 assists, nine digs and two blocks while Kait Durbin had nine kills, nine digs, a block and an ace.

Myah Jones had 15 assists, three digs, three blocks, three kills and an ace. Rhylee Luttrell finished with four digs and played well in the row, Sodini said. Kaitlyn Talbott had five kills and a dig. Kenzie Campbell posted an ace, 10 kills and eight digs.

Emma Malone chipped in with an ace and eight digs. Miranda Beener had a dig and Katrina Bowman recorded three digs. Megan Stewart had an ace, four kills, two blocks and three digs. Gracie Evanshine had four service aces.