Spring Creek slips by Rosewood

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on September 17, 2008 12:57 PM

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- Spring Creek jumped out to an early lead and knocked off county rival Rosewood 25-13, 17-25, 25-23, 6-25, 15-10 in a Class 1-A Carolina Conference showdown Tuesday.

The Gators, the 2007 regular-season conference co-champions, turned things around in the fifth game after a disastrous fourth game.

"I think we got our heads down a little bit in the fourth game," said Spring Creek head coach Deanna Morris. "But the girls got back in it and basically decided that they would get the win in the final game."

Trailing 7-5 early in the deciding game, the Gators rallied behind a strong serve from Shaquita Brooks. After gaining a 12-10 advantage, Spring Creek took control when Kristin Smith scored the match's final three points on serve.

"Rosewood is a good team and we have developed a pretty good friendly rivalry," said Morris. "We are really fortunate to win today. It was exciting."

Smith finished with 16 kills. Randi Oxendine contributed 22 assists and Brooks collected a team-high five blocks.

"I am really fortunate to have two seniors who can lead this team in the middle," said Morris. "Kristin and Shaquita were both very strong tonight."

It was a roller-coaster affair for the Eagles.

"We just were not very consistent and that might be a product of having such a young team," said Rosewood head coach Jennifer Cochran. "During that fifth game we just couldn't get the ball over the net on the serve."

Taylor Johnson led the Eagles with seven kills and four blocks. Caroline Tart put up 24 points on serve.

"Taylor played well and delivered some kills, but I tell the team all the time, it takes good passes to set up her opportunities," said Cochran. "Tonight I thought we were the better team, as far as fundamentals, but we did not stick to our gameplan and it cost us.

"Our mistakes are mental, not physical, and we need to continue to work on the mental approach."

Rosewood (3-7 overall, 1-2 Carolina) returns home Thursday for a league match against North Duplin. Both teams will wear pink jerseys to promote breast cancer awareness. All proceeds raised will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Association.

Spring Creek (4-6, 1-2 CC) entertains North Johnston, which shared the 2007 league title with the Gators, the same afternoon.