Dawgs rule

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on October 22, 2008 1:46 PM

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PRINCETON -- There would be no comeback this time.

After rallying from two sets down to upset Coastal Plains champion Topsail on Saturday, Spring Creek failed to win a game in a 25-11, 25-14, 25-20 loss to league rival Princeton in the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A volleyball playoffs on Tuesday evening.

The Bulldogs (14-6 overall) displayed plenty of emotion early, while the Gators appeared bothered by the atmosphere and the burden of an early deficit.

Princeton's Ashley Braswell opened the game with a thunderous kill off an assist from Erin Schultz. Nikki Capps added an ace during an opening 16-3 run by the Bulldogs.

The Gators (9-11) struggled to find their composure as they lost numerous points on unforced errors and a lack of communication.

"The past two games we've come out strong, and we've been really into the game and fired up," said Princeton head coach Trudi Rast. "Our girls have been really excited and they want to continue on. We've got a really good group of girls."

Braswell buried two more kills and Devon Murphy provided an ace and a kill of her own as the Bulldogs quickly claimed the opening set.

Princeton continued to ride its wave of momentum in game two as Braswell recorded a block and an ace on consecutive points. Brittany Baker's block gave the Bulldogs a 4-3 advantage. Meanwhile, the Gators continued to struggle with passing and serve receive.

"My girls got down and it was really hard to shake the off," said Gators head coach Deanna Morris. "Princeton's serving was awesome tonight and we just had a hard time getting our passes on that. Then they got their heads down."

Danielle Mitchell's kill and Braswell's ace pushed Princeton's lead to 17-8 and Spring Creek got no closer than 21-13.

The Gators appeared to regroup early in game three while the Bulldogs struggled to pass consistently and keep the ball in play.

Kristin Smith recorded a pair of kills as Spring Creek built a 10-6 advantage. A pair of kills from Mitchell and a kill from Shultz helped Princeton climb back to within 13-12.

Baker's kill eventually evened the game at 14-14 before Shultz put on a serving clinic. Shultz split the Gators' defense for six aces, five of which came on consecutive points.

Spring Creek never recovered.

"That was huge," said Rast of Shultz's serving. "Spring Creek really was on fire in that last game and Erin really came in strong. That gave us some confidence and helped us get the momentum I think."

Braswell finished with three kills, two aces and a block for the Bulldogs, and Shultz added seven aces, two kills and two assists.

Not only did Spring Creek's season come to a close on Tuesday, but so did the storied career of Smith, the Gators' captain and middle hitter. She ended the match with eight kills, an ace and a block.

"Kristin's a very talented player," said Morris. "If she stays focused and keeps her head straight she can go far."

Princeton visits perennial Waccamaw Conference power Pender (19-3) on Thursday.`