BREAKING: Wolfpack upsets Madhatters, win last 3 sets in large comeback victory
It’s celebration time on Kellogg Avenue. The Spencer Center Wolfpack upset the Oyler Madhatters in an amazing come-from-behind victory. The Wolfpack had previously come off a win on the road against Shroder, sweeping them 3-0 with ease. Speaking with Spencer’s head coach, she stated that the Wolfpack needed to build off the win against Shroder and start to gain momentum to win more games heading into the postseason. And they did just that.
The Oyler Madhatters walked into The Den in hopes to improve on their 6-1 record, while the Wolfpack hoped to continue their win streak and improve their 2-7 record. The Wolfpack lost to Oyler in 3 sets in their season opener on August 26. However, this game was not at all reminiscent of what took place against the same team 21 days ago. Let’s dive into it.
The first set started competitive, with Oyler seizing a 6-5 lead early on. The set continued to be competitive throughout, but Spencer couldn’t seem to pull ahead and Oyler held a 13-10 lead. The Wolfpack fought back, and tied the game 17-17 late in the set. Oyler would push to a 20-19 lead and later win a very competitive first set 25-20. This would only be the start of what could be the game of the year for the Wolfpack.
The second set begun with another competitive start and Spencer would take a 7-4 lead. Spencer gained momentum towards the middle of the set, taking a 13-9 lead. The Wolfpack would continue to push forward and hold onto a slim 19-17 lead. Oyler would then score 3 straight to take a 21-19 lead. Spencer would tie it up 21-21, but momentum switched to Oyler’s side as they scored 3 straight again to take a 24-21 lead. Spencer fought hard to comeback in this set, but to no avail. Oyler won the second set 25-21.
With their backs against the wall, the Wolfpack needed 3 straight wins to secure a victory. It was clutch time for the Wolfpack. The Wolfpack looked as if they were out of the game at the beginning of the third set, as Oyler would take an 8-2 lead. Spencer gains momentum back, while Oyler held a 11-7 lead. The Madhatters allowed the Wolfpack to hang around, but Spencer just couldn’t push through, Oyler would hold on to a 14-10 lead. Things would continue to go Spencer’s way, as they would cut the Madhatter’s lead and tie the game 16-16. Oyler pulled ahead to take a 20-19 lead in a tight game. Spencer was down, but not out. The Wolfpack took a 21-20 lead after capitalizing on Oyler’s mistakes. The lead would improve to 23-21, and Spencer looked to close out the set. A questionable call by the refs cut the Wolfpack lead to 24-23. Oyler would tie the game at 24, and now it was a win by 2 situation. Spencer would score 2 straight to overcome adversity in a competitive matchup and keep the game alive. Spencer won the third set 26-24.
The fourth set begun with a 6-1 Spencer lead, but various mistakes and mental errors cut the lead to 6-5, and Oyler was back in the game. The Wolfpack would then take a 15-10 lead after a large momentum swing. Spencer would continue to look dominant in the fourth set, and take a 20-11 lead. Oyler would cut the lead to 23-17, but Spencer would close out the set in dominant fashion, winning 25-17. Just two sets ago, the Wolfpack looked out of it and was on the verge of another loss. Now, they had the chance to comeback and steal this game from the Madhatters.
It was a winner-takes-all situation for set 5, first to 15 wins. Oyler would take a 4-1 lead to begin the set. This lead was cut to one as Spencer made the set competitive and the Oyler held a slim 5-4 lead. Oyler would push to an 8-5 lead after Spencer mental errors. The Wolfpack would then cut the lead to one. In the most thrilling game of the year the Madhatters held an 9-8 lead. Spencer would then tie the game 11-11. In clutch time, Spencer took a 13-12 lead. The Wolfpack was hungry, resilient, and refuse to give this game up. Spencer won the last set 15-12 to close out the largest, and possibly greatest comeback in Wolfpack athletics history.
Even in moments of adversity, down 0-2 to Oyler, the Wolfpack never gave up, kept their heads up and persevered their way to a second straight victory, winning 3 straight sets to knock off CMAC Blue’s top team. A promising showing by the Wolfpack tonight, this team should be nothing less than proud of themselves.
The Wolfpack (3-7) will look to continue their win streak against DePaul Cristo Rey (5-2) in The Den on Thursday night.
Reuben Whitehead
Spencer Center Media/Journalist
