Rosewood doesn't get bogged down at Spring Creek
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 9, 2009 1:46 PM
SEVEN SPRINGS -- Rosewood avoided a potential "trap" and took care of Carolina 1-A Conference volleyball rival Spring Creek on Thursday evening in "The Swamp."
The Eagles remained unbeaten in eight league matches this season with a 25-7, 25-14, 25-23 victory.
The three-set win featured a hotly-contested third set where both teams came from behind and feverishly tried to close the door on the opposition.
Riding the momentum of two quick wins to open the match, Rosewood jumped out to a 10-4 advantage in the third set and appeared to be headed for another lopsided score.
The Gators wouldn't go quietly.
Stacie Salter took the ball at the service line and made the most of her team's final opportunity. Salter delivered several perfectly-placed serves, and the Gators rallied for 12 consecutive points to take a 16-10 advantage.
Trailing for the first time in the match, Rosewood turned to its biggest gun. Senior middle hitter Taylor Johnson delivered six kills on the set's final 10 points as the Eagles rallied for a match ending 25-23 victory.
"Taylor has had some soreness in her shoulder, but tonight she really played her best," said Rosewood head coach Jennifer Cochran. "Spring Creek made some good adjustments in that third set. I was proud of our girls and how they were able to come back and win."
Johnson finished with 15 kills and six blocks. Brittney Cabala served five aces.
Spring Creek was paced by Brittany Collier who finished with seven kills. Kelsey Rogers finished with four kills and one block.
"I thought our girls did a pretty good job of adjusting to what Rosewood was doing offensively," said Gators head coach Deanna Morris. "This was a learning experience for our girls that play on the front line. They are all sophomores, and to play against a team of that caliber is good for us."
Spring Creek (2-10 overall, 2-6 CC) will host Goldsboro on Tuesday. Rosewood (13-7, 8-0) entertains North Duplin for match two in their 'Serving' Up A Cure series. All proceeds from the game will go to the Kay Yow WBCA Cancer Fund.