PSU commit and Exeter junior Gaige Gabriel

Exeter's boys volleyball team swept Gov. Mifflin during the regular season.  The Eagles won six of the seven sets.  The Mustangs were the defending Berks County champions with seven seniors on their roster so Exeter coach Matt Hadley knew their third meeting would be a battle.  This time the BCIAA championship was on the line and it became an instant classic.  SV Sports' Paul Roberts asked Exeter junior Gaige Gabriel how exciting the match was on a scale of 1-to-10.  "Eleven, that was the best match I've ever played in in my life. It was awesome," stated Gabriel.  The 6'8 Penn State commit had a team-high 24 kills as the Eagles rallied to beat Gov. Mifflin 3-2.  It's the second county title for Exeter in the past three years.  The Eagles took the first set 25-21.  The Mustangs bounced back to win the next two sets 25-20 and 25-23.  They trailed 21-19 in the third set.  Exeter went on top 19-15 in the fourth set, however, Gov. Mifflin responded with six consecutive points.  Exeter maintained its composure and Gabriel came through with a big block on set point for a 25-22 victory.  The gym in Reiffton was rocking during the decisive fifth set.  The Eagles jumped out to a 6-2 advantage.  The Mustangs got within 14-12, but Exeter won the final point in the race to 15.  "It was tough. We've been working on that mental game all year and I think that's improved tremendously," said Gabriel.  Chase Nugent finished with 13 kills and five digs.  Sophomore Tyler Campbell added twenty digs.  Junior setter Jack Forry piled up 40 assists and seven digs as the (18-0) Eagles remained undefeated.  Seniors Aidan Young and Tyler Knoop had 14 kills apiece for the (13-4) Mustangs.  Gabriel, who is a member of the U19 national team, gave a lot of credit to Gov. Mifflin.  He also thanked all of the fans that created an electric atmosphere.  "We had a crowd come out, which doesn't really happen for volleyball, which was awesome. Shout out to the supporters," he replied.