Two SOL volleyball teams competed in opening round games in the PIAA Class AAA Tournament on Tuesday night. Two teams advanced to York, site of the state tournament’s final rounds this weekend.
Council Rock North and Hatboro-Horsham both rolled to convincing 3-0 wins over their opening round opponents.
Rock North downed Girls High at Norristown High School (25-5, 25-6, 25-9) while Hatboro took a two-hour bus trip to Nanticoke and needed less than an hour to defeat District 2 champion Abington Heights (25-12, 25-11, 25-10).
“We really dominated the match,” Hatboro coach Diane Lucas said. “It’s a tribute to the players. They came out strong. They served aggressively, they passed really well.
“We took them a little bit by surprise. In the first game, they were very excited, but as the match went on, they started to fade. They’re a good team, but we were able to control the match.”
Ashley Morgan led the Hatters with seven kills and three aces while Carly Black had six kills. Lauren Schmickle had 28 assists and five digs.
The trip to York, according to Lucas, is the reward for the time and effort the players have put into their sport.
“These girls spend so much time dedicating themselves to volleyball,” the Hatters’ coach said. “They’re the ones who did all of this.
“They worked hard in the off-season, they sacrificed – they gave up a lot of social things, and I’m sure they missed family things as well. That dedication during the offseason makes you better.
“We came in Aug. 17, and the girls made it a goal to get to states. They carried it through every single day. I can’t tell you a day that they faltered. For me as a coach, I’m just incredibly proud to be associated with young ladies who hold themselves to such high standards with integrity.”
Rock North was led by the eight-kill effort of Rachel Friedman. Sarah Kiely had seven kills, 10 digs and two blocks while Caroline Anderson had six kills, two blocks and five digs. Senior setter Jackie Davies had 19 assists, five kills and six digs.
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