Sanderson volleyball
The Sanderson volleyball team celebrates a point during Tuesday's 3-1 win over rival Millbrook.
Sanderson volleyball downs Millbrook
In the first set of Tuesday's volleyball match between Sanderson and Millbrook, the Lady Wildcats dictated the pace from the start, jumping out 13-4 and looked likely to lock up an early win.
But the Lady Spartans marched back steadily, got within striking distance, and Rebecca Sawyer finished off the comeback, serving the set's last six points and sealing a 25-23 victory.
The Lady Spartans' come-from-behind effort sparked a 3-1 match win, though Millbrook made Sanderson earn every point in the tightly-contested contest.
As disappointing as the loss was, Millbrook head coach Chris Grimes could only extend praise to the Lady Spartans afterward.
"You have to credit Sanderson for battling, not willing to give up any points," he said. "They scrambled defensively. We couldn't get a kill. We were hitting the ball hard enough to terminate the play, but they had great reaction, and played really well defensively."
Sanderson coach Stephanie Rhodes added it was great to see her team fight through its early struggles and "fight back."
The coach explained Tuesday's win was led by senior Virginia Fitch, who played big when the team needed her.
"She stepped up and competed when we needed to compete, and that's what we need more of," Rhodes said.
Sophie Palles, Emma Celentano, MacKenzie Averette and Anna Ellison also played well.
It would be hard for two teams to play more evenly than Tuesday night's opponents.
In addition to the tight first set, Millbrook and Sanderson fought punch for punch in the second.
At least 13 times the two squads were tied in the second set, before Sanderson eventually recorded the 25-22 win.
Even when the Lady Spartans appeared to be pulling away, leading 15-12, Millbrook's Lauren Brand served four straight points getting her team back into contention.
Millbrook sophomore Abby Ward (center) prepares to bump a volley during Tuesday's match.
After two hard-fought wins, Sanderson dropped the third set, 25-11, never really getting into the flow of the match. The Lady Wildcats jumped out to a 11-2 advantage and cruised to the finish.
But Millbrook couldn't extend the match any longer, falling in the fourth set, 25-19.
Although the contest was an important rivalry game, Rhodes explained it was also a good step towards Sanderson's goal of reaching the playoffs.
"Conference games are huge because they are what put you in the state tournament," she said.
Millbrook played without starter Awele Nwaeze, and Grimes said it took his squad a little time to compensate for the loss.
"I am proud of our girls to handle the sudden adversity of being without one of their starters," the coach said. "They are playing hard, playing smart most of the time, and giving good effort.
"But the results are the same and that's frustrating — mentally more than anything. Hopefully, we can get our full team back together soon."
Millbrook looks to get back to winning tonight (Sept. 16), hosting Northern Durham.
The Lady Spartans continue to battle in Cap-7 Conference play, hosting Leesville Road Thursday, Sept. 17.
