Eastern Wayne spikers snap three-match skid
By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on August 26, 2009 1:46 PM
SEVEN SPRINGS -- Spring Creek got off the mat twice, but couldn't answer the bell when it mattered most.
The Gators forced a decisive fifth set, but watched Eastern Wayne control the tempo and claim a 25-20, 19-25, 25-13, 17-25, 15-9 non-conference win Tuesday afternoon.
Eastern Wayne opened the fifth game on a 5-0 run capped by Emily Sparks' kill. Spring Creek pulled within 10-8 on Kelsey Rogers' kill, but the Warriors won five of the final six points to finish off the match.
"We played well and then I don't think we played so well, and then we played well again," said first-year Eastern Wayne head coach Tony Parrish. "We've got to learn to play more consistent. I was very proud of the way we did respond."
Spring Creek used a pivotal 6-0 run early in the fourth set to take a 12-9 lead. Brittany Collier delivered three service aces down the stretch to help the Gators force the fifth game.
"The kids just wanted it," said Spring Creek head coach Deanna Morris.
A pair of aces from Amethyst McPhail highlighted the Warriors' march to a 10-1 lead in the third set. Andy Macias, Carissa Turner and Brittney McKinney each provided kills to help Eastern Wayne take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five match.
The Gators erased a 16-12 deficit the second set courtesy of Stacie Salter's ace, and three key kills from Rogers including one to finish off the frame.
Eastern Wayne (1-3 overall) nearly saw a lead evaporate late in the opening set. Spring Creek couldn't capitalize on opportunities to close the gap and made critical unforced errors that gave away costly points. Laura Hulse's ace brought the first set to a close.
"The girls come to practice and they play hard and that's all I've ever asked of them from day one," said Parrish. "When they walk off the court, if they've done all they can do, then that's all we can ask."
The Warriors travel to Wilson Fike today while the Gators (0-2) entertain Hobbton.