Eagles collect four-set road win

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on August 17, 2012 1:48 PM

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Rosewood is still learning the little things, but the big picture is coming into focus sooner than expected.

The Eagles wrapped up the first week of the volleyball season with a 25-23, 23-25, 25-16, 25-18 win over Eastern Wayne on Thursday night. The victory pushed Rosewood's record to 2-1 overall.

"It's early and we are clearly still adjusting to some new players in the lineup," Rosewood head coach Jennifer Cochran said. "But I can say that we have improved with each match and that has gotten us two wins."

Rosewood jumped out to an early lead in the first set and held on for a 25-23 triumph. Eastern Wayne evened the match with a 25-23 victory in the second set.

"I thought we played well in stretches," Eastern Wayne head coach Tony Parrish said. "Obviously, there are things that we need to clean up, but you have to give a lot of credit to Rosewood. They are a solid team all the way around."

The Eagles took control of the match in the third set. Crystal Allen tallied two kills and a block as Rosewood pulled ahead 8-2 and never looked back.

Allen finished with eight kills, four blocks and two aces.

Ellen Morgan asserted herself at the net in the final set and tallied back-to-back kills that pushed the Eagles ahead 10-9. Allen finished off the Warriors with two kills of her own and a critical block that stretched the Eagles' lead.

Morgan, the 2010 News-Argus volleyball player-of-the-year, concluded the day with 10 kills, five blocks and three aces.

"I think our hitters are doing a nice job so far," Cochran said. "We need to work on our service game and we have to rotate quicker, but those are things I think we will get straight as the season goes along."

Rosewood plays host to Union on Monday.

Eastern Wayne (1-2 overall) entertains Goldsboro on Monday.