THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 16, 1995 TAG: 9502150202
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 25 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAN COOLEY, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
IF THE LEVEL of play between teams during the regular season is any indication, today's Bay River's District girls volleyball tournament should be a good one.
Many of the contests went right to the wire. Games were so close that Franklin coach Marilyn Dull gave the impression that five teams could win the championship.
``A lot of teams are playing well right now,'' said Dull, whose Broncos finished second at 11-3. ``Poquoson (third place) is capable of winning it. Lakeland (fifth place) is, too. . . .
``If any of the top teams are off their game a little bit, there will be some upsets.''
Dull didn't even mention Nansemond River. All the Warriors did was go 14-0 in sweeping to the regular-season title.
Nansemond River has already clinched a Region I playoff bid. The tournament champion, or runner-up if Nansemond River wins, also get a region bid.
So maybe the Warriors won't be so motivated.
``This is a pride thing with us,'' Nansemond River coach Nancy Richey said. ``We want to keep the momentum going and keep our unbeaten record.''
Nansemond River has been battling a flu bug for the past two weeks, but Richey expects everyone to play today.
Franklin figures to be Nansemond River's toughest competition. The Broncos were the only team to take the Warriors to three games. Nansemond River won the rematch at Franklin in straight games, but only after fighting after six game points in the 17-15, 15-13 marathon.
``Nansemond River is the best defensive team I've seen in quite some time,'' Dull said. ``You cannot just pass the ball and expect to beat them. You have to beat them with power.''
Look for Franklin's top hitters, Jennifer West and Vicki Elliott, to be keys to any success.
Lakeland lost heartbreaking games twice to Nansemond River and Poquoson and split with Bruton.
Lakeland coach Greg Rountree said mental and physical mistakes at crucial times plagued his team.
``Service is a big key for us, because when we serve well, we play well,'' Rountree said. ``If we serve well and cut down on our mistakes, we can make it to the final.''
Important players who could get the Cavaliers to the next level are hitters Mary Donnan Debranski and Nika Saunders and setters Travonda Demeil and Dee Dee Belcher. Debranski leads the team in kills and blocks.
ALL-BAY RIVERS First team Jennifer West, junior, Franklin
Liz Pearson, junior, Nansemond River
Vicki Elliott, senior, Franklin
Patricia Meeks, senior, Bruton
Angie Gatling, sophomore, Nansemond River
Peyton Davis, senior, Bruton
Second team
Nikka Saunders, senior, Lakeland
Jenny Phillips, senior, Poquoson
Michelle Hirsch, senior, Poquoson
Kari Harrell, junior, Nansemond River
Sarah Richardson, senior, Poquoson
Amy Morgan, senior, York
Mary Donnan Debranski, senior, Lakeland
Honorable mention
Heather Behrends, junor, Nansemond River; Shanette Gary, sophomore, Southampton; Sara Swankler, senior, Smithfield; Katie Soule, junior, Franklin; Christy Farino, senior, Bruton; Fran Halberg, junior, York; Travonda Demiel, senior, Lakeland; Jessica DeWitt, senior, Poquoson.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jennifer West, Franklin
COACH OF THE YEAR Nancy Richey, Nansemond River ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MICHAEL KESTNER
Franklin High superstar Vicki Elliott prepares to slam the ball down
the court line during a recent season game with Nansemond River.
Nansemond River's Liz Pearson hand sets for a spike during a recent
game against Franklin.
by CNB