By Justin Jarrett
LowcoSports.com
The John Paul II volleyball team started a busy stretch with a rivalry match in front of a packed house Friday and has ridden the wave of momentum to a pair of tough road wins to start the week.
After fending off a pesky Thomas Heyward team for a 3-0 (25-23, 25-10, 25-21) victory Friday at home, the Golden Warriors went on the road to knock off a tough St. Andrew’s squad Monday, rallying after dropping the first set for a 3-1 (17-25, 28-26, 25-19, 26-24) win.
The hard-fought match prepared the Warriors well for their SCISA 3A opener Tuesday at Palmetto Christian, where JPII had to grind it out in a five-set thriller.
After taking the opening set on the road, JPII dropped the next two before rallying to take the fourth and fifth for a 3-2 (25-14, 12-25, 24-26, 25-20, 15-11) victory.
Coach Louise Sanders said it everyone playing their role to make the comeback possible and keep the winning streak going.
“With their backs against the wall, the girls played their best volleyball of the early season,” Sanders said. “A total team effort made this victory possible.”
Emily O’Sullivan has played a pivotal role during the winning streak, averaging six kills per match with six kills and six blocks against St. Andrew’s, while Camryn Michael led JPII with eight kills against the Lions.
The Golden Warriors get a well-earned rest today before heading back to Savannah on Thursday for a Tri-match with Beach and St. Vincent’s.
Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and the founder of LowcoSports.com. He was the sports editor of the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for 6½ years. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.
