Sanderson volleyball win big for Cap-8 playoff picture
Sanderson volleyball’s 3-1 (25-18, 18-25, 25-17, 25-21) win over Heritage in a key late-season battle could help determine the playoff picture in the Cap-8 4A Conference.
The two teams split the first two sets, with Sanderson (13-5, 8-4 Cap-8) winning first 25-18 and Heritage repaying the favor 25-18.
Momentum started to turn in the Spartans’ favor with a great finish to a 25-17 third set win.
They took that into the fourth and won the first nine points of the set. However, the Huskies (12-8, 7-5) came back using runs of four and six unanswered points to get within two. But the deficit was too steep, and Sanderson now sits in third place in the Cap-8 standings.
“We can play better,” said Heritage coach Jessica Furlough. “We’re on a four-game losing streak. It’s lack of communication, lack of focus. We have the talent.”
They said it
“A couple calls didn’t go my way. A couple calls didn’t go her way,” said Sanderson coach Pam Tart. “It happens. We play us, and we just move on. Yes, a couple were unfortunate, but in the end we finished and that’s what it’s all about.”
Turning point
Headed into the third set, Sanderson and Heritage each held a set, and either side was poised to take command of the game. The Spartans grabbed control with a furious last half of the set. After falling behind 10-9, Sanderson rallied to win 16 of the next 23 points. They looked looser and more energized heading into the fourth set, and it showed.
Three who mattered
Sydney Gunter, Sanderson: Although Gunter sat for several long stretches, she made her presence known when she was playing. Gunter’s four kills in the first set led the Spartans, which included the set point. Also as one of the tallest and longest players on either squad, she altered just about every shot at the net.
“She’s a coach’s dream on the front,” Tart said.
Ellie Lupton, Heritage: Lupton isn’t known for her kills, but rather the person passing for the kill. She didn’t play a perfect game on the court, but she was vocal with her teammates and always chasing after balls.
“Ellie definitely is our senior leader,” Furlough said. “She’s our setter that lifts everybody up and controls the pace of the game.”
Hallie Roberts, Sanderson: During the second set, Sanderson was mounting a comeback that eventually fell short, but Roberts was key with several tough digs. Throughout the third and fourth sets, Phillips continued diving on the ground, keeping the ball alive for her team.
Looking ahead
Although this match was important in helping clarify the final standings of the conference, there are still important matches for both teams that will ultimately determine whether the Spartans or Huskies finish in third.
Sanderson has a tough slate as it plays the top two teams in the conference. It travels to two-loss Leesville Road Thursday before taking on undefeated Broughton at home.
Meanwhile, Heritage will play Enloe at home Thursday and travel to Wake Forest next week. Both Enloe and Wake Forest currently sit at the bottom of the conference.
This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 11:57 AM with the headline "Sanderson volleyball win big for Cap-8 playoff picture."