Rosewood knocks off Manteo, 3-1

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 27, 2010 1:46 PM

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Rosewood started with a fury, survived a lull, and finished with a bang in a 3-1 win over Manteo in the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A volleyball playoffs on Tuesday night.

The Eagles claimed a 25-15, 15-25, 25-17, 25-22 and will entertain Perquimans in third-round action Thursday.

"I am really proud of my girls for battling tonight," said Rosewood head coach Jennifer Cochran. "I don't think we necessarily played our best game, but we did enough to win and that's what counts in the playoffs."

Taking advantage of a slow start by the visitors from Dare County, the Eagles (20-4 overall) posted a nearly mistake-free victory in the first set.

The Redskins answered the challenge by setting up their power offense in the second set. Ashae Sykes got off to a good start with back-to-back service aces to begin the set. Hitters Haley Creef and Hannah Menkins combined for five kills to ensure the Manteo win.

"I think we were a little out-gunned at the net throughout the match," said Cochran. "But with that said, we played really well fundamentally and we played good defense."

Trailing 12-8 in the third set the Eagles started a rally.

An errant serve from Manteo and a pair of hitting errors allowed the home team to climb back into contention. Two big kills from Ellen Morgan pushed Rosewood ahead 18-16, a lead that the team would not relinquish.

Morgan continued her hot play in the fourth and final set as she led her team back from the edge of disaster. With Rosewood down 18-13, Morgan delivered two blocks and a kill to get the team back in the set. An ace by Rachyle McAlduff pulled the team within one point and Morgan finished the rally with a powerful kill.

Three unforced errors by the Redskins and an ace by Amanda Beckert closed the match.

"I feel like this match was won by our girls that came off the bench," said Cochran. "Manteo had scouted us and they knew our top six, but by our bench playing well, I think it threw them off."

Morgan finished the match with 10 kills and three blocks. Laura Vinson added five kills and three aces.

"It's homecoming this week and we are having a pep rally on Thursday afternoon so I hope that energy carries over into our match," said Cochran. "Maybe it will give us a little something extra."