Alex Burr

MERRILLVILLE — Andrean was on the cusp of starting its season 1-7.

The 59ers dropped their first set against Kankakee Valley on Thursday, and faced an 8-0 deficit in set two off the strength of eight straight Gabby Diener aces.

In response, Andrean coach Grant Bell inserted senior Lailoni Staten. Though she didn't start the set, Staten immediately picked up a key dig to help the 59ers get a point.

Staten's presence was enough to turn the game around for a 59ers team that badly needed it. They scored eight consecutive points of their own before taking the second set, and then taking the match 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-20, to get a much-needed second win of the season.

Staten, who compiled nine kills and 16 digs, knew how much her team needed the win against KV.

"It feels great

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