Rebels figure out Cougars' 'D' and roll to 'W'

October 12, 2005|by CURT HORNBECKER / Staff Correspondent

A little surprise wasn't about to stop the South Hagerstown volleyball team.

It took a game for the Rebels to decipher Catoctin's defensive scheme, but once they did, they coasted to a 23-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-19 MVAL Antietam victory Tuesday night.

"Catoctin's defense caught us off guard in Game 1," said South coach Chuck Weaver, "but by the end of the game we had it figured out, and the girls played strong from there."

South (7-4, 3-1) showed no ill-effects from the loss in Game 1, taking full advantage of every Cougars error.

"We lost our momentum," said Catoctin coach Dana Bender. "We missed a couple key serves, and we couldn't pass the ball to our target. We're a very strong serve-receive team, so that's really out of character for us."

The Cougars (5-5, 1-4) had opportunities to steal another game from South. Trailing by five early in Game 3, Catoctin scored 10 of the next 13 points, sparked by Connie Cuddahee's two service points and a kill.

But China Miller, Katie Moyseenko and Chelsea Weaver combined for nine service points to reclaim the momentum and secure the game.

"We'd get back into the game, and not be able to finish," said Bender. "That's mental. It's confidence that we lack."

Solid net play propelled the Rebels in Game 4, with Miller, Brittany Hyatt and Caitlin Nicewarner leading the way.

"We have a lot of confidence at the net," said Nicewarner. "The whole court was covered, everyone was talking, and we had good chemistry tonight."

The Cougars were led by Monie Cuddahee's eight assists, 15 service points and three aces. Angela Stiles added seven kills and four blocks.

Hyatt's 20 assists, 20 digs and 16 service points led South. Chelsea Weaver had 10 kills, 19 digs and 12 service points. Miller finished with 12 kills, nine service points and five blocks, while Lindsay Steiner added seven blocks and 16 digs.

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