County bragging rights still belong to the Warrenton volleyball team, after it defeated Wright City in two sets (25-18, 25-9) during the Commissioner’s Cup match at home on Monday. But the Wildcats proved they weren’t going to submit without a challenge, putting the pressure on the host team during the first set. Warrenton coach Drew DeManuele says his team was caught a little off guard in the beginning, having to regroup to overcome an early deficit. “Wright City came in and showed they weren’t going to back down,” said DeManuele. “They came out the first game and challenged us. I told our girls to stay focused and control the ball.” Wright City jumped out to a 5-1 edge and maintained the advantage until Warrenton took the lead at 15-14 on four unanswered points. “I think our girls were caught off guard a little bit, but they regrouped and did what was necessary to get the job done,” said DeManuele. “They made very few mistakes early on,” said Wright City coach Ian Kester of his team’s performance. “They were waiting for opportunities and came out really strong in the beginning.” The Warriors scored the last three points to claim the opening set and carried that intensity into the ensuing set. Senior Marissa Schroeder says assistant coach Jake LaManna delivered a motivating statement that helped turn the tables. “Coach LaManna told us we needed to play like it was a conference game,” said Schroeder. “I think that got into our heads. In the second game we really picked it up and dominated.” Schroeder complimented the Wildcats’ efforts but says the Warriors weren’t going to give up their trophy. “Their big girls, (Abby) McNeill and (Brittany) Abercrombie did a good job working together, but we overpowered them,” said Schroeder. Senior Sarah Cunningham says she knew it would important not to let her team fall behind again as she began serving the second set. “I knew I had to do my job and help our team get ahead,” said Cunningham. She was able to fire off six straight points, forcing the Wildcats into a deficit from which they never recovered. Cunningham had four aces on 11 serves and added four kills.“That helps out big time when you start with that tempo, getting that serve over,” said DeManuele. “Sarah did an awesome job, and in that second game, we came out with a little more fire and intensity and it showed.”  “Sarah was on tonight,” added senior Ashley Bauer. “Marissa was up there following the ball on the blocks whenever they’d pass it up too high. Our serve-receive was there, and we were covering each other a lot better.” Wright City closed the gap at 8-4 but never got any closer. They led 20-9 before landing the set’s final five points to hold on to the county trophy for a second straight season. “In the second game we started to get serious, because we wanted that trophy to stay in our gym,” said Bauer. She says this rivalry meeting, in its second season, has been a fun addition to the schedule. “I love that Coach ‘D’ started this,” said Bauer. “It’s a lot of fun, and it’s nice to have a piece of hardware in our gym.” Bauer had four kills, while Schroeder added six kills on 11 attacks.