Eagles halt Lutheran rally, even out district record
Published 12:00 am Monday, October 20, 2008
By RYAN ARENA
Sports Editor
Reserve Christian bounced back from a loss to defending Division I champion and district foe Northlake Christian on Tuesday to notch a key win over host Lutheran Thursday, 25-17, 25-19, 15-25, 24-26, 16-14 in a District 6-V game.
With two district games left against Hannan and Bishop McManus, the Eagles (4-12, 4-4) could be on the verge of a winning district season and even a trip to the state volleyball tournament.
But nothing came easy at Lutheran, which rallied to erase a 2-0 RCS leads in the match and put the pressure back on the Eagles in a tiebreaking fifth game.
But Reserve came through. With the score tied at 14, and Amanda Watson up to serve, the Eagles scored the last two points of the match, including a kill by Laci Felder.
“The girls just wanted it. It all boils down to their focus,” said Reserve Coach Michelle McGee.
Felder finished with 11 kills and five aces for RCS. Tiffani Serven had nine assists. Elise Michel had seven assists and six digs. Courtney Randle and Watson each had four digs.
McGee says she sees improvement in the team’s defensive play each game.
“Our defense played extremely well, amazingly at times,” said McGee. “I definitely see a progression. Our issues haven’t come on defense.”
McGee has long stated a desire to change her team’s perception of itself (“I want them to feel like they deserve to win these games,” she says), and wins like Thursday’s do nothing but further that goal.
“It pushes it forward,” she said. “There’s so little room for error in these games. When you make a mistake, the other team scores. That’s why I’m emphasizing focus for the girls. Stay focused – if you make a mistake, don’t carry it with you to the next play.”
Reserve, however, was no match for Northlake Christian – few are, these days. The Wolverines took a 25-13, 25-3, 25-19 win over the Eagles in Reserve on Tuesday.
Felder had seven kills to lead the Eagles. Serven had five assists. Randle had six digs and Watson had four.
McGee said that the way her team fought throughout the match, particularly in the final game was something to build on.
“They played tenaciously. These girls have a passion for the sport, and so do I,” she said.