TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Volleyball: Armwood holds off Newsome

ADVERTISEMENT

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 30, 2009

PLANT CITY - It became clear in the fifth and deciding game of Thursday's Class 5A-District 8 final against Newsome that Armwood outside hitter Emilee Taylor wasn't going to let her team lose.

The Hawks' senior captain was a force throughout the match, but had nine kills and the game- and match-ending ace to earn Armwood the district title, defeating Newsome 21-25, 25-16, 25-14, 24-26, 15-12.

"You have to keep your heart and you have to fight the whole way," Taylor said. "I knew with the last serve I just had to breathe and keep my head focused."

Newsome took the first game after rallying from behind seven points, but struggled in the next two as the Hawks stayed in a rhythm and took a 2-1 advantage with decisive wins. The Wolves rebounded in the fourth, pushing the Hawks to a fifth game behind strong play from seniors Hillary Byrd and Lauren Zellmer and junior Jonni Raga.

In the end, Taylor was just too strong.

"The one other match we went five this year she was the same way," Wyatt said of Taylor. "That fifth game she just would not let the girls down. Just like tonight, she would not let these girls lose."

Jarrett Guthrie

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT