THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 19, 1995 TAG: 9501180162
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAN COOLEY, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
With the girls volleyball season halfway through, Nansemond River finds itself on top of the Bay Rivers District, with Franklin and Poquoson in hot pursuit.
``With the exception of Nansemond River, everyone has been beating everyone else,'' Franklin coach Marilyn Dull said. ``It's been an exciting year in the Bay Rivers. You can't take anyone for granted.''
The difference for Nansemond River has been its ability to score the key points in close matches.
Warriors coach Nancy Richie is getting the effort from all areas of the court.
Elizabeth Pearson, a second-team All-State selection last season and captain this year, has provided the necessary leadership to keep the Warriors motivated. Kari Harrell has been the strong setter of the group, an area Richie expected to be a problem this year, and Shannon Savage has committed just one error in 50 serves so far.
Richie said the most pleasant surprise has been the standout play of first-year sophomore Angie Gatling. Gatling, a basketball standout, had seven blocks and four kills in last week's 16-14, 15-3, win over Poquoson and is among the district leaders in both categories.
``I'm surprised and pleased with how (the girls) have done thus far,'' Richie said. ``They have a different heart than they did in past years. The difference is they don't get down on themselves when they get behind. We've won three games we probably would have lost last year.''
Those wins came against Lakeland, Bruton and Franklin.
The Warriors trailed, 7-0, in game one against Lakeland but rallied to win, 16-14, and then took the match with a 15-8 win in the second game. Against Bruton, Nansemond River lost the first game, 16-14, but responded with 15-11 and 15-9 games to win the match.
The win over Franklin may have best characterized the team's never-give-up attitude.
In both games the Warriors were one point from losing with the Broncos serving for game point each time. Both times Nansemond River gained side-outs and rallied for a pair of 16-14 wins. The second game was deadlocked at 14 for 10 straight side-outs before the Warriors were finally able to break through with the final two points.
Despite the loss to Nansemond River and a tough loss to Bruton (14-16, 15-11, 15-9), Dull likes the way Franklin has been playing.
``Everybody is starting to step it up at the right time,'' Dull said. ``That's important because we can't afford to lose another one.''
Katie Soule and Mandy Hewitt are the Broncos' top servers, while Jennifer West and Vicki Elliott lead the team in kills and blocking.
Like Franklin, Lakeland has had some tough losses.
``We've lost some tough matches that could have gone either way,'' including a 15-12, 15-13 loss to Poquoson, Lakeland coach Greg Roundtree said. ``We're a strong team, we just have to put it together. I'm looking for the same kind of effort we had last week against Bruton.''
The Cavaliers edged Bruton, 14-16, 15-13, 15-3.
``We want to finish in the top three and then qualify for state by finishing first or second in the district tournament. But it will be tough,'' Roundtree said. ``The district is so well balanced that any of five teams can win it.''
While Smithfield and Southampton sit at the bottom of the standings, those teams seem to be waging their own battles.
Smithfield earned its first win of the season with a 15-13, 15-12 match against winless Southampton, but the Indians are ready to return the favor when the teams meet again next week. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Nansemond River junior Chrissy Mims digs down to keep a serve alive
during the match against Poquoson.
by CNB