ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, November 1, 1996 TAG: 9611010044
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KEITH POMPEY STAFF WRITER
The Cave Spring girls' volleyball team aced its first test in what the Knights hope is a trip the Group AAA tournament.
Cave Spring defeated Franklin County 15-12, 16-14 in the Roanoke Valley District tournament final Thursday at William Fleming. Both teams qualify for next week's Northwest Region tournament.
"It feels so good," said Jenny Lemker of Cave Spring, the district's player of the year. "We have been waiting for this tournament since August. But it really feels good to beat Franklin County in the tournament. They beat us last year in the semifinal. We came back stronger this year."
That's an understatement.
Of the 12 players chosen to the all-district squad, four were Knights: Lemker, Lindsay Canon, Sara Hopkins and Kim Morris. Cave Spring's Penny Williams was voted coach of the year.
However, the Knights (11-0) had their hands full with the Eagles, who had three all-district players of their own.
Franklin County (12-8) jumped out to 3-1 lead in the first game and led 11-9 late. But Cave Spring responded with a 6-1 run to capture the game.
The second game was closer. Again the Eagles held a lead late at 14-13, but the Knights scored three straight points to sweep the final.
"They came to play," said Williams. "Franklin County was awesome. This was a true final."
"It's frustrating not to win," said Nancy Castillo, Franklin County's coach. "We played a whole lot better than the last time we played them. We tried to keep the ball on their side of the net. Our strategy was to make them make the mistakes and they didn't. They were pretty powerful in the middle. Their killing was one of their stronger points."
The play at the net was the difference.
Leading the way for Cave Spring was Canon. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker topped both teams with 17 kills - 13 in the second game.
"This is probably the best she has played all season," said Williams. "Before the game Lindsay was nervous. But she came to play."
And she wasn't alone.
Teammate Kim Amos had a school record 17 digs. And Lemker added 11 kills, two blocks and two assists.
"It feels great to beat Franklin County in the district," said Lemker. "Even though both teams are going to the regional, we really wanted to win this game. It's a big confidence builder to go into the regional undefeated."
Other all-district selections were: Ravonda Barber (William Fleming); Kim Gordon (Franklin County); Evie McAllister (William Fleming); Sarah Mercer (Patrick Henry); Erica Moore (Patrick Henry); Kimberly Morris (Cave Spring); Amy Robertson (Franklin County); Lindsay Robitson (Franklin County); and Lisa Skeens (Pulaski County).
LENGTH: Medium: 56 linesby CNB