By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
YEATESVILLE — As each team looks to build some momentum heading into the N.C. High School Athletic Association state playoffs, the head coaches for the Williamston Tigers and Northside Panthers saw some positives to build on in Tuesday’s match.
The Tigers (15-3, 9-3) were able to pull off a sweep in a hard-fought Four Rivers Conference match, pulling out a 25-19, 25-22, 25-19 win over the Panthers (6-10, 5-7). Williamston coach Herbie Rogers credited Tuesday’s victory to some solid serving.
“I thought our serving was pretty accurate,” Rogers said. “We were able to serve the ball where we needed to serve. Any time you can serve the ball and keep somebody out of their offense is good.”
Not being able to run their offense hurt the Panthers.
“Our passes were not very good,” Northside coach Tami Wagaman said. “We weren’t able to play our offense. My freshman outside hitter (Jordan Woolard) only hit the ball twice tonight and you can’t win without hits.”
Harris Shepherd and Erin Bowen served up three points apiece for Williamston early in the first game, giving the Tigers an 11-5 lead. Williamston extended the lead to 19-9, before Northside senior Savanna Boyd rattled off three points of her own to trim the deficit to 19-12. Panther senior Whitney Lewis chalked up four straight, pulling the Panthers within 20-16.
A nifty tip by Bowen at the net stopped the Northside rally, and helped Williamston take the first game, 25-19.
A huge kill by Lewis off a perfect set by Jordan Cooke gave Northside an early 6-4 lead in the second game. Rachel Hollowell then got hot at the serve line, pumping out five points for a 13-8 lead. Boyd had a big block during the run.
Solid serving by Williamston standout setter Heather Jackson, coupled with some hits by Katie Paschal and Bowen, allowed Williamston to tie it at 14-apiece.
The Panthers took a 16-14 lead, but four consecutive points by Meredith Roberson gave Williamston a 19-16 advantage. Boyd tied the match at 19-all a short time later, but a tip by Jesse Ann Rogers and a kill by Bowen handed the Tigers a 21-19 lead.
Northside was still within two at 24-22, but a ferocious slam by Paschal ended the game to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
Jackson and Paschal each served four points to help Williamston race out to a 10-1 lead in the third game. A smash by Lewis breathed some life into the Panthers as they eventually pulled within 12-8.
Northside cut its deficit to three points a handful of times, including 22-19 on a Lewis serve. However, Bowen tallied the final three points from the service line to give Williamston the sweep.
“I thought Northside hung in there and played well, especially the last game,” Rogers said. “We jumped on them 10-1 and they made a really good comeback on us. Coach Wagaman does a good job here.”
The Panthers pay a visit to Roanoke on Thursday, then close out the regular season with a Senior Night home match next Tuesday against Southside. Wagaman is hoping her players can get a winning streak going heading into the playoffs.
“I want the girls to get consistent,” Wagaman said. “I want us to start running offense instead of just playing defense.”
Williamston, currently tied with Manteo for second in the conference, makes the trek to Southside for a key match on Thursday.
“I think we’re playing pretty good (right now),” Rogers said. “Going to Southside is always tough. I’m sure they’ll show up and play a really good game.”
Rogers, whose team ends the regular season at home next Tuesday against Roanoke, is looking for some solid play from his players.
“We just want to fine tune what we do,” Rogers said. “There’s always something that you can work on. It’s important that we win those conference games. With us and Manteo tied (for second), you don’t want to give up a game.”