E. Wayne-S. Creek volleyball

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 17, 2010 1:46 PM

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- Deanna Morris hopes Kelsey Rogers' intensity and aggressive attitude rubs off on her Spring Creek volleyball mates this season.

Rogers got off to a good start Monday afternoon.

The junior middle hitter flirted with a double-double -- eight kills, seven service aces -- in a 25-19, 25-8, 25-23 triumph over county rival Eastern Wayne.

"Kelsey just reads the ball well, is aggressive and just wants to win," said Morris. "That shows in her game. It's a mentality I hope that sweeps through the team and continues all season."

Rogers pounded out four kills during the Gators' 8-3 run to start the opening set. The Warriors climbed within 8-7 on back-to-back aces from returning starter Morgan Smith and trailed 14-13 before Rogers delivered her fifth kill of the afternoon.

Eastern Wayne (0-1 overall) struggled with communication, never developed an offensive rhythm and let several balls drop in transition play. Those opening-set troubles continued throughout the three-set affair.

Spring Creek, which served 22 aces, built a double-digit advantage through just four service rotations in the second set. The Gators closed the set with a 9-1 run that included Bianca Morado's solo block and kill, and three aces from senior Stacie Harris.

"We've got a lot of work to do ... practicing to do," said second-year Warriors head coach Tony Parrish. "We've got to learn to play together with new players and new faces who don't know each other. We have to come to practice, build (team) chemistry and work hard."

The teams battled through seven ties and two lead changes in the third set.

The Warriors seized their first lead of the match, 15-14, on an unforced error by the Gators. The set was tied at 16-16, 18-18 and 23-23 before a net violation gave Spring Creek set and match point at 24-23.

Lolita Correno's deep serve wasn't returned for the final point.

"The last game we competed," said Parrish.

Smith, Carissa Turner, Lura Hulse and Tiffany Gussenhofen each had kills for the Warriors in the three-set affair. Smith and Gussenhofen combined for five aces.

Harris and Lucy Avila combined for nine aces for the Gators.

"Good serves help keeps the momentum going in the game," said Morris. "I was pleased with how the girls talked and played together as a team."