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Comets cruise by Marshfield By Mail Tribune staff Updated: Oct 07, 2022 11:39 PM A A COOS BAY — Kendra Bittle and Madison Kocina have been lethal around the volleyball net all season and Friday night was no different versus Marshfield, one of the top Class 4A teams in the state. The senior outside hitter duo combined for 25 kills and powered the Comets past the Pirates, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22. “We’ve been rotating (Maddie) in the middle and she has been incredibly effective there,” said Crater coach Leaf Jensen. “She’s just been super effective and unstoppable. Kendra has been deadly on the outside. She’s just so big and when she gets vertical, it’s an incredibly difficult ball to defend.” Senior setter Kate Stidham helped Crater’s offense run smoothly, doling out 32 assists to go with six kills and 11 digs. “We’re getting lots of good swings out of Maddie and Kendra and Kate is getting them in position,” said Jensen. “There’s not too many teams that have as many options as we do.” After a strong opening set, the Comets (13-4) jumped out to a 18-10 lead in the second frame but the Pirates (14-3) rallied back before ultimately falling short by two points. In the third set, Crater led by as many as six points but Marshfield was able to hang around until the end. Bittle and Kocina also had seven digs apiece, while junior defensive specialist Joslyhn Pope chipped in 16 digs and two aces. Crater's Madison Kocina goes up for a hit and point against North Eugene earlier this season. Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune