Princeton's Renfrow issues challenge after 2nd set

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 27, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

BURGAW -- Paige Renfrow channeled her inner Jim Valvano.

Facing a two-set deficit against perennial prep volleyball powerhouse Pender, the fourth-year Princeton head coach laid it all on the line Saturday evening.

"You've got three sets to go, so let's go ahead and start winning," Renfrow said. "(Or) you can give up now in front of all of these (Princeton) fans who have driven here to see you play."

The Bulldogs didn't give up.

And they're headed back to the eastern regional championship game for the third consecutive year.

Senior setter Charley Cox distributed 37 assists among six hitters in a come-from-behind 20--25, 15--25, 25--17, 25--16, 15--12 triumph over Patriots in eastern semifinal--round action of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1--A volleyball playoffs.

The 10th-seeded Bulldogs (21--4 overall) travel to top-seeded and Carolina Conference rival Lakewood (25-0-1) on Tuesday. First serve is 7 p.m. The Leopards have won all three meetings this season, including a pair of five--set thrillers.

"The girls are excited about playing Lakewood again," Renfrow said.

Pender used its height to dominate Princeton during the first two sets. The Patriots constantly fed their tallest player on the court, but the Bulldogs' defensive instincts kicked in once they got touches on the ball.

Kasey Edwards and Hailey Wood combined for eight blocks.

Libero Jenna Woodard emerged as the defensive leader with 13 digs. She got help from Kelsey Peedin (eight digs) and Taylor Carroll (six digs). The trio's solid play enabled Cox to effectively run an offense that cranked out 39 kills.

Edwards pounded out 14 kills, while Carroll added 11. Peedin chipped in with six.

"The girls really played their hearts out the last three sets," said Renfrow, whose team served eight aces as a team.

Whoever wins the Princeton-Lakewood matchup guarantees the Carolina 1-A Conference its first state finalist since Farmville Central in 2004. FC lost to Boonville Starmount in the championship match.

"I am excited about playing them a fourth time," Renfrow said. "We know what to expect. We can take them ... I have confidence. But it either way it's going to say something about the Carolina Conference because one of us will get to go to the state finals."