Priceton completes regular-season sweep

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 10, 2008 1:46 PM

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Emotions ran high as Rosewood honored its five senior volleyball players on Thursday.

Archrival Princeton spoiled the fun. The Bulldogs matched the Eagles' intensity and claimed a 25-21, 25-22, 25-18 in the Class 1-A Carolina Conference regular-season finale for both teams.

Princeton (12-5 overall, 6-4 Carolina) earned an opening-round bye in the conference tournament, which begins Monday. Rosewood (7-10, 5-5) is the No. 3 seed and will play either Spring Creek or North Duplin in the first round.

"I was really pleased with how our girls fed off each other," said Princeton head coach Trudi Rast. "We did a very good job when we had the serve and that led to a win."

Rosewood jumped out to a 10-3 advantage in game one, only to see the lead evaporate thanks to five Princeton service aces. Erin Schultz and Devon Murphey led the Dawgs' rally.

"They played really well. They didn't let many balls hit the floor to their credit," said Eagles head coach Jennifer Cochran. "Tonight didn't feel like a three-game sweep because the games were all close. But when they needed to get a bounce or a roll, they got it."

Rosewood seized an early lead for the second time in game two, but Brittany Baker and the Princeton hitters would not be denied. Baker tallied eight kills and five blocks on the night.

Murphey added five kills.

"Brittany played a very strong net tonight," said Rast. "She was determined to play well because she knows what a strong player Taylor Johnson is, and she really fired herself up."

Johnson led the Eagles with 12 kills and three blocks. Page Babb contributed two kills and Jennifer Hall chipped in four aces.

"In order for Taylor to get opportunities in the middle, we have to pass well," said Cochran. "Paige and Taylor have been connecting well lately."

Princeton led game three throughout as the Eagles lost steam.

"I think we were a little tired," said Cochran. "It's tough to play matches three days in a row, especially when the first two are on the road."

The match marked the final regular-season home appearance by Babb, Hall, Heather Dean, Megan Church and Caroline Tart.

"I don't think senior night or the emotions had anything to do with tonight's outcome," said Cochran. "Princeton just played really well."