THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 2, 1995 TAG: 9511020515
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The Western Branch girls returned to the fore of Southeastern district volleyball, completing a stellar season with the tournament title Wednesday night.
Western Branch edged Indian River 15-8, 6-15, 15-8 in the championship game to highlight an 18-0 season.
In boys action, Great Bridge earned the tournament crown with a 7-15, 15-9, 15-9 victory over Western Branch.
The Bruins have dominated the district throughout head coach Jim Stanko's 12-year career, but lost the tournament to Indian River last year. The power hitting of Katie MacPhail and Amanda Adkins powered the Bruins back into top form. Western Branch also won the regular-season title, earning it a first-round bye in the Eastern Region tournament that begins Tuesday.
``I thought we played well at times and at other times they did,'' Stanko said. ``In the third game, we picked up defensively, made the passes and got hits. We had service problems.''
Adkins paced the Bruins with nine kills, followed by Jaci Morris with eight, MacPhail with seven and Calee Morris with three. Cathy Arnette had 25 assists.
Indian River played well throughout the match, taking a 7-4 third-game lead before Western Branch retook control.
``I think my girls played very well,'' Indian River coach Linda Rice said. ``I think they knew what they were up against. I'm happy with them.''
LaTisha Grevious hammered six kills and blocked efficiently to keep the Braves in contention. Elizabeth Morgan went 8 for 8 serving with two aces and setter Linda Johannison stayed on the floor digging balls to keep points going.
Stanko served double-duty for the evening, stepping in for coach Gary Steinfort to helm the Bruins. Steinfort is out of town serving the Coast Guard.
Western Branch dominated the opening game. Josh Brinkley and Eric Steinfort were formidable at the net. Mark Higginbotham battled for the Wildcats, then continued his acrobatic net play throughout the match, hitting 10 kills. Brinkley tallied 11 kills in the match.
In the deciding game, the Wildcats built a 6-0 advantage. Brad Tibbs served the final five points for the win.
``We were in a slump and we finally came out of it,'' Great Bridge coach Bill Clement said. ``The guys worked hard.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
MOTOYA NAKAMURA/The Virginian-Pilot
Western Branch's Wes Brown scores against Great Bridge in the
Southeastern District volleyball tournament.
by CNB