Griffin girls beat Lady Knights, 2-0
The International girls varsity volleyball team gained a straight sets victory over Cambridge Thursday afternoon in their home gym, breezing through the opener 25-11, then facing stiffer in the second set before winning 25-21.
The story was similar to that in the boys game between International and Cambridge. Cambridge didn't play badly, but International just did everything a tiny, but decisive bit, better. The Griffins served just a little better, set just a little better, and spiked just a little better. They also seemed to play with more team spirit.
Melissa Roca, who had missed a game with health problems, was back in uniform for the Griffins, and turned in an outstanding game, as did teammate Maria Gutierrez.
Mariana Escaño was a standout for Cambridge, and the Lady Knights got some great serving from Helen Yohn. One always has the feeling watching Cambridge that if they would just pull their socks up a little they could do some real damage, rather than languishing in last place at 0-3.
International, for its part, is now poised for next week's game with Cooperative, which could be the crucial game of the season in girls volleyball. Cooperative is 3-0; International is 2-1.
Jaguars get tough win over Eagles
The Cooperative girls varsity volleyball team had to claw its way back after losing the first set to gain a hard-fought victory over Christian Learning in their home gym Thursday.
The Eagles took the first set in fairly convincing fashion 25-21, getting fine play from 10th grader Tabitha Malloy, the tallest player on the floor. Jaguar coach Misty Skidmore said after the game that her team "couldn't find its rhythm."
In the second set, the Jaguars got rhythm. They ripped through the Eagles 25-8. The key elements for the Jaguars were adroit setting by Karla Flores and strong serving by Ana Paola Justiniano.
The third and deciding set was fought bitterly point-by-point, with numerous tie scores, before Cooperative finally emerged victorious 17-15.
