THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 6, 1995 TAG: 9510060641
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
The Salem Sun Devils didn't look like underdogs.
The Sun Devils traveled to Cox to meet the unbeaten Falcons in a crucial Beach District girls volleyball matchup Thursday night. Cox has been the only unbeaten team in the district for most of the season. Salem suffered an early three-game loss to First Colonial, then also fell to defending tournament champion Kempsville in three.
Thursday night, the Sun Devils commanded the court early, storming through the first game with a convincing 15-4 victory. In the second game, Cox rallied but could not overcome Salem, falling 15-11.
``If we played like that every time we played, we wouldn't have any losses,'' Salem coach Owen Dixon said. ``Our passing was next to perfect. When the passing is there, the setter has the chance to pass the ball and get it in good position for the hitters.''
The Falcons (10-1) calmed down and began to handle the powerful combination of Jacquelyn Costa setting to Jenny Harmon's powerful kill. Lydia Cuthrell and Katherine Dunford turned up the heat, pacing Cox to an 8-2 lead.
But Salem was not to be outdone. The Sun Devils' lone senior, Misty Colebank, took over and served Salem to an 11-8 margin it never relinquished.
``I think Salem played an excellent game,'' Cox coach Claire LeBlanc said. ``We were off in the first game and started to rally in the second, but it was not enough. It was too late.''
Harmon slammed 15 kills and Costa recorded 16 assists. Colebank connected on 17 of 20 serves.
Cuthrell had five kills and two blocks.
``Now we can concentrate on playing, not preserving the record,'' LeBlanc said. ``I don't think anyone has gone undefeated in the Beach District.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by VICKI CRONIS
Jenny Harmon of Salem soars to spike the ball against Cox after
getting set up by teammate Jacquelyn Costa.
by CNB