By: Ross Van De Griek
CLEARWATER, Fla.- It was a rematch of a regular season meeting on Thursday night at the Anderson Athletic Center, where the top-seeded Calvary Christian Warriors (25-2) hosted the 8-seed Northside Christian Mustangs (17-9).
Calvary Christian was in complete control right from the first serve, as they started the match on a 10-4 run that featured kills from Clemson commit Cathryn Long & senior Ana Volini. At times in the first set, Calvary Christian looked "out of focus", according to head coach Kim Whitney. But the Warriors responded by taking the first set, 25-12.
"We did not play Calvary volleyball in that second set", said coach Kim Whitney. Northside Christian started the second set, on a 9-6 run before Calvary Christian had to take a timeout to slow the momentum down. Later in the second set, Calvary Christian would go on a run & take a 19-16 lead that came featuring key blocks by Ana Volini. Calvary regained the lead at 21-20, before Northside Christian head coach Whitney Elam had to take a timeout. Northside Christian finished the set on a 5-1 run & took the set, 25-22.
"We got back to playing Calvary volleyball in the third set", said senior Cathryn Long, who had a match high 27 kills. It was a little back & forth for the first few points of the third set. Calvary Christian took a 12-7 lead & that was where the momentum started to turn towards their direction. Calvary Christian would then score seven of the next 11 points & take a 19-11 lead. Calvary Christian head coach Kim Whitney on Cathryn Long. "She was a beast tonight, I love watching her on the court, because she always makes the right plays." Calvary Christian would end the set on a 6-1 run, 25-12 & take a 2-1 match lead.
It was complete cruise control in the fourth set for the host Warriors, as they started the set on a 13-6 run. "Cathryn Long was just too much for us all night", said Northside Christian coach Whitney Elam following the match." Calvary Christian led 18-9 & you could sense that the Warriors were going to advance. Calvary Christian would win the fourth set, 25-16 & win the match 3-1.
Calvary Christian will host 4-seeded Community School of Naples on Tuesday night. Northside Christian finishes their season 17-10.