Link to Photo Gallery: http://sos.exposuremanager.com/g/091808_crn_vs_crs_kc
By Scott Huff
It ain’t exactly the Hatfields and the McCoys.
It is the intense rivalry between the girls’ volleyball teams from Council Rock South and Council Rock North. It is what every rivalry should have – passion, excitement, and enthusiasm.
Minus the hatred.
“The North and South games are friendly rivalries,” said Rock South coach Scott Hibbs moments after his Golden Hawks edged Rock North 3-2 on Breast Cancer Awareness Night. “These kids are friends and hang with each other off the court, and many of them play on the same club team.”
And both squads were there together on a night that featured ‘pink’ throughout. The stands at Rock South were decorated with balloons – the concession stands featured home baked goods on sale – and T-shirts were also on sale to support breast cancer awareness.
And visiting Council Rock North wore pink uniforms – as did most fans in the stands.
“We were united tonight as one to promote breast cancer awareness,” said Council Rock North senior captain Christina Dollings. “Off the court we are all friends, but it is still a rivalry when we are on the court.”
And the teams from Rock North and Rock South put on quite a show for the vocal student fans and the other more reserved spectators who filled the stands.
Both teams entered the game in second place in the Suburban One National Conference with records of 4-1. The only loss that either team had suffered this season was to first place Pennsbury.
Game One went to Rock North – 25-22. The Indians scored the first seven points of the game, but Rock South rallied and eventually tied the game 20-20. However, Rock North regrouped and hung on for the win.
“We took control of the game early, but South came back and battled,” said Rock North coach Kinsey Lynch. “We knew that there was going to be a battle for each and every point.”
Game Two went to Rock South – 25-21. There were five ties in this game, but a four-point spurt gave the Hawks control of the game late. And the outstanding play of South senior tri-captain Anna Buonomo began to come into focus.
Buonomo finished the night with an impressive stat sheet that included three aces, 13 kills, two blocks, and 12 digs.
Game Three also went to South – 25-19. The Hawks led 3-0 at the outset – led by as many as eight points - and were never seriously challenged throughout the game.
Game Four was the best game of the match and was won by Rock North – 25-23. There were 11 ties and five lead changes – the final tie at 23 points was broken when Indian senior Atasha Jordan punctuated the point with a terrific spike.
“I am scared to play fifth games,” said Hibbs. “The games can be very unpredictable. If you give up a big run – it’s over”
However, in Game Five, Rock South did not surrender a big run – it went on one of its own to seal the deal. The Hawks led 5-0 - then 10-1 – and cruised to a 15-8 win of the game. And the match at 3-2.
“North played very well,” said Buonomo. “It was a huge match for us – it was very exciting and played with a high intensity. I thought our positive energy played a big part of the win.”
“It was a match played with great energy,” said Dollings. “We played with that energy in the fourth game to carry us to a fifth game.”
But when the night was over, the result of the match did not seem the most important thing.
“This was a great night for Council Rock volleyball,” said Lynch. “I coach club volleyball with Scott Hibbs, and we have a great rapport. We have great respect for each other.”
“There were tons of people here,” said Hibbs. “And the energy in the building was there. A great night.”
A great night for scholastic volleyball – and for Breast Cancer Awareness.
It ain’t the Hatfields and the McCoys.
Link to Photo Gallery: http://sos.exposuremanager.com/g/091808_crn_vs_crs_kc
- Log in to post comments
0
