Nobody better
Maplewood looked as though they had met their match early on in the Class A state volleyball final Saturday. But showing patience and tenacity, the Tigers became the comeback kids in the first two sets. They ended up sweeping the West Branch Warriors in straight sets at Cumberland Valley High School.
The Tigers had a slow start against the District 6 champs falling behind 7-1 in the first set. Coach Sheila Bancroft called a timeout to get her squad settled down. It worked, though the Tigers didn't manage to take a lead until, down 22-19, they ran off five straight points.
Maplewood ended up taking the first set 26-24. It was the first set loss for the Warriors during the playoffs.
Wood again started slow in the second set. They twice found themselves down by at least five points, 10-5 and 14-8. After clawing back to a 17-14 deficit, they got hot behind Bailey Varndell's serving. Varndell was ace happy with five during a 10-point Maplewood run that propelled them into the lead and up seven 24-17. The Warriors made it interesting with a four-point run before Bancroft stopped the momentum with a timeout.
Wood took the second set 25-21.
That seemed to be enough to quell the Warriors ability to start quick. The third set was completely dominated by the Tigers who jumped out to 6-1 lead. The Warriors never got closer than four points and ended up losing to the Tigers 25-11.
The Tigers had a slow start against the District 6 champs falling behind 7-1 in the first set. Coach Sheila Bancroft called a timeout to get her squad settled down. It worked, though the Tigers didn't manage to take a lead until, down 22-19, they ran off five straight points.
Maplewood ended up taking the first set 26-24. It was the first set loss for the Warriors during the playoffs.
Wood again started slow in the second set. They twice found themselves down by at least five points, 10-5 and 14-8. After clawing back to a 17-14 deficit, they got hot behind Bailey Varndell's serving. Varndell was ace happy with five during a 10-point Maplewood run that propelled them into the lead and up seven 24-17. The Warriors made it interesting with a four-point run before Bancroft stopped the momentum with a timeout.
Wood took the second set 25-21.
That seemed to be enough to quell the Warriors ability to start quick. The third set was completely dominated by the Tigers who jumped out to 6-1 lead. The Warriors never got closer than four points and ended up losing to the Tigers 25-11.
Eight & 322 file
The win gives the Tigers their sixth state title on the girls side and eighth overall. It is the fifth for Coach Bancroft.
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