Bella Clevenger Shines as Princeton Defeats Hall in Thrilling Match

In an emotional match on March 14, 2024, the Princeton High School volleyball team triumphed over Hall High School, winning in three sets with scores of 25-19, 21-25, and 25-10. The game, held during a breast cancer awareness night, featured a standout performance from Bella Clevenger, a 16-year-old junior who is a cancer survivor. Clevenger, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age two, played a significant role off the bench, bringing both skill and inspiration to her team.

Clevenger’s journey has been marked by resilience, having been cancer-free for over a decade. She expressed that this night held special significance for her, particularly as she had lost family members to cancer, including her great-grandfather to Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. “Not only did I have cancer, but my great-grandmother, whom I love, had breast cancer as well. She’s still with us,” Clevenger shared, reflecting on the personal connection to the cause.

Despite her initial reluctance to stand out, teammates Caroline Morris and Natalia Zamora honored her with a rose and a hug during the event. “It was very special. I don’t like to bring attention to it, but it was just nice I was included,” she said, visibly moved by the support.

Princeton’s head coach, Andy Puck, highlighted the importance of Clevenger’s presence in the game. “We talk about pushing through adversity in sports. This girl and her family had to push through adversity in life, had to deal with things we’ve never even come close to experiencing,” he remarked.

The match saw a back-and-forth battle, particularly in the second set where Hall gained momentum after dropping the first. The Red Devils scored six consecutive points, taking a 17-12 lead, largely thanks to a crucial kill from Zamora. However, Princeton rallied to tie the match at 20, leveraging strong plays from Keighley Davis and Keely Lawson. The set ultimately went to Hall, evening the match at one set apiece.

Princeton regained control in the third set, employing a strategic approach that included a series of runs, leading to a commanding 25-10 finish. Puck noted, “We played smarter and not harder. We just seemed a lot more disciplined and kind of shored up our defense a little better.”

On the other side, Hall’s coach Carolyn Foster acknowledged her team’s fatigue, which impacted their performance in the final set. “I thought we played well in the first two games, especially with our passing, but we just didn’t hit as well as I would have liked,” Foster stated. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming postseason and the need for her team to recover and regroup.

Throughout the match, Clevenger’s teammates recognized her contributions, with Danika Burden and Caroline Keutzer also making significant plays. Keutzer and Lawson combined for a total of 22 kills, while Makayla Hecht recorded 30 assists, adding to a strong team performance.

As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on their experiences from this match. For Clevenger, the night was a reminder of her strength and the support of her community, as she continues to inspire those around her both on and off the court.