Goldsboro beats Gators in four sets

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 12, 2011 1:48 PM

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- Spring Creek tried to make a special senior night memory.

Carolina 1-A Conference rival Goldsboro would have none of it.

The Cougars overcame a third-set swoon and defeated the Gators 25-17, 25-16, 22-25, 25-11 on Tuesday night. Goldsboro swept the season series for the first time under head coach TJ Lancaster.

"I was pleased with the way we played tonight because it was a total team effort," said Lancaster. "Every single girl did something that helped us win."

The Cougars jumped out to a 16-10 lead in the opening set on the heels of two consecutive aces by Yusely Lares. A kill by Kashieka Wallace put the set away for the visitors.

Goldsboro carried the momentum through the second set as outside hitter Brandy Johnson found her footing and tallied three kills in the set.

Spring Creek (1-14 overall, 0-9 CC) fell behind again in the third set, but battled back behind some heavy hitting from Kelsey Rogers, who delivered four kills in the Gators' come-from-behind victory.

"We were able to do some good things during that mini comeback," said Spring Creek head coach Deanna Morris. "Goldsboro just had more skill than we did. They covered the floor better than we did and they were patient."

Goldsboro rebounded in the fourth set when Johnson drilled two consecutive kills to push the Cougars ahead 6-2. Wallace put the game away with a block and a kill.

Johnson finished with eight kills on the night. Wallace added five kills and two blocks.

Rogers paced the Gators with 10 kills. Sara Ford added three kills and three aces.

Spring Creek concludes regular-season play on Thursday at North Duplin, while Goldsboro (7-12, 2-7) entertains Ayden-Grifton.

"Right now Ayden-Grifton has three conference wins," said Lancaster. "If we could beat them we would have a chance to move up a spot."