Triton’s playoff run ends in fourth round to Asheboro volleyball

Triton had no seniors and no home matches, yet the Hawks were one of the last eight teams standing in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A playoffs before bowing out with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-18) loss at No. 2 Asheboro on Saturday.

Titon, the 19-seed, ended its 18-9 season with three road playoff victories in the postseason. The Hawks upset No. 14 West Craven, No. 3 Fayetteville Terry Sanford 3-0 and conference foe No. 11 Cleveland 3-2.

Losing was hard for coach Wendy Gaines. It would have been nice to make a third trip to the East final.

But by peaking at the end of the season with a senior-less team, there’s a lot to look forward to.

“I’m already thinking ahead and ready to go back to work. This has never happened, where I didn’t have any seniors. I usually have four, or six or even eight,” Gaines said. “I’m hoping it’s a blessing in disguise.”

Triton’s 14-year conference championship reign was snapped this year. Triton didn’t claim the regular season title thanks to Corinth Holders, then watched Cleveland go on to win the Two Rivers 3A tournament after falling to the Rams in the semifinals.

But through those troubles – rare for the easternmost Harnett County school – the young team learned.

“We all go humbled, even the caoch. Sometimes that’s a good thing,” Gaines said. “I saw them come back and fight and be determined and work hard and play like they’re capable of playing at times; and that was a good thing.”

Leanna Parker had 21 assists for the Hawks. Taylor Gainey had nine kills while Sophie Saltzman had seven. Annie Tyndall led the defense with 24 digs.

Asheboro was led by Salem Davidson’s 10 kills while Bailie Gordon and Destinee Goldston had nine each. Gilliam Foscue had 29 assists.

“Their tips really hurt,” Gaines said. “That’s always been kind of a weakness for us is trying to defend the tip.”

The Blue Comets will play at No. 1 Cedar Ridge for the 3A East title on Tuesday.

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 10:05 PM with the headline "Triton’s playoff run ends in fourth round to Asheboro volleyball."