Rebel spikers down Wildcats

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on September 3, 2009 1:46 PM

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CALYPSO -- Intensity is infectious.

North Duplin saw an early lead slip away but turned up the intensity and played its best volleyball in the fifth and deciding set of a 25-22, 26-24, 23-25, 19-25, 15-8 victory over Hobbton on Wednesday afternoon.

The Rebels even overcame a second-chance point won by the Wildcats.

Ahead 14-7 in the final set, North Duplin returned a volley that was immediately bumped over the net by Amber Bass. Rebel middle hitter Tearra Ammons returned the ball, which struck Tara Bass in the chest. Bass batted the ball up in the air and the referee blew an inadvertent whistle for a double hit.

The official ruled a replay. Hobbton eventually earned the point, but gave the match away on a service error.

"It was exciting ... just a good match between two pretty even teams," said Rebels head coach Heather Best. "Hobbton is well coached and they have some talented players, so I didn't think it was going to end in three sets."

North Duplin controlled the match over the course of the first two sets. Ammons and Scarlett Martin combined for seven kills.

The Wildcats turned the tide in the third set behind Tara Bass, who delivered four kills and three blocks in the third and fourth sets.

A myriad of errors led to the Wildcats' demise in the fifth set. Hannah Brock pushed the Rebels to a comfortable 5-1 advantage with pair of service aces and the home team never looked back.

"I thought my girls turned it up a notch at the end," said Best. "I can't take anything away from their effort because they played hard."

Ammons led the Rebels' offense with 10 kills and five blocks. Martin added four kills and three blocks. Brock tallied six aces. Teammate Skylar McCarty added four.

"Tearra played a great game and she is becoming a leader for this team," said Best. "She is very athletic, she plays with a lot of energy and she works well with the other five girls on the court."

North Duplin (2-2 overall) visits North Johnston next Wednesday.