THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 1, 1996 TAG: 9601300156
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
Despite an undefeated record and a head-to-head victory earlier this season, Norfolk Collegiate will be at a disadvantage when facing Norfolk Academy later this month.
The Wednesday matchup, which could determine the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools regular-season champion, is the second meeting of the two girls volleyball powers this season. Although Collegiate won the first matchup in five games, the game counted only for momentum and pride. TCIS teams play one another twice each season. The first game is essentially a freebie - it does not count in conference standings.
``It doesn't really make any sense,'' Collegiate senior and co-captain Melanie Sanford said. ``We kind of get all pumped up for our game and then it doesn't really count for anything. But, I think that we showed we could do it.''
The moral victory was crucial to an Oaks' team that has finished second in TCIS competition the past two seasons. However, it just pushed one more factor in Academy's favor entering the ``match that counts.''
The Bulldogs carried a 47-match win streak into this season, then suffered early, non-conference losses to Greenbrier Christian and Collegiate. Now, the Bulldogs have home-court advantage and a taste for revenge.
``It's more pressure this time,'' Collegiate senior Erin McElroy said. ``It's harder to play there. We can't psyche ourselves out.''
``It's hard to get pumped up for a team twice,'' Sanford said. ``but that's just the way it is in the conference. I guess we're all used to it.''
However, when it comes to conference-rival Academy, rules change. Getting pumped up is no longer a chore.
``I came here in the 10th grade, and it's always been like that between Academy and us,'' Sanford said.
``I don't think it's ever going to stop, either,'' co-captain Karen Reina added.
Despite their unblemished season, the Oaks (13-0, 4-0) still have to overcome the second-best mentality that has plagued them for two seasons.
``I think in past years, they've had an underdog mentality, where they couldn't win or weren't sure if they deserved it,'' Collegiate coach Tara Voke said. ``This year, I think they're more confident in their playing ability and the playing ability of their teammates.''
The increased confidence has led to Collegiate's best season. However, the Oaks must still beat the crosstown rival Bulldogs twice to reach their goal of winning the TCIS regular season and tournament titles. The TCIS tournament will begin Feb. 15.
Despite a bench-load of talent and renewed confidence in their abilities, the Oaks must overcome a tendency to allow their focus to slip in late games.
Against Academy earlier this season, Collegiate won the first two games and went up 8-0 in the third before slipping.
``I guess we got cocky or something,'' Sanford said. ``They came back to win that one and won the next one.''
The Oaks battled past a 14-12 rally point to take the fifth and deciding game. Against weaker opponents, Oaks' players admit they have allowed comebacks after matches should have been put to bed.
``We go through stages,'' Sanford said. ``Sometimes we're really into a game and sometimes we're out of it. I guess every team is like that. But those are the times when other teams come back on us. A couple of times, we've come close to losing a game due to a lack of focus.''
Despite a slight flirtation with inconsistency, the Oaks have courted their best team and are primed to dig deep and find the energy, skill and focus to beat the stung Bulldogs.
``We'll have to play a very consistent defensive game with a lot of power, because their defense is very, very good,'' Voke said. ``It should be fun. It'll be one of those matches that could go either way.''
Sanford is optimistic that it will go the Oaks' way.
``If we just play well and play the way we've been playing, we'll be fine.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Barbara Rosenblatt, left, sets the ball as Erin McElroy gets ready
to put it over the net in a recent game against Norfolk Christian.
by CNB