Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511200117
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BREA FARMER LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium
Once the Patriots settled down, they overcame a 6-11 first-game deficit to defeat Eastern Region runner-up Indian River 15-13, 15-2, and advance to the title game.
``We started slow,'' senior outside hitter Rebecca Hogan said. ``We were really nervous coming out. I'm really happy we pulled it out. We showed we can hang with the big-hitting teams.''
Patrick Henry entered the tournament as a surprise. Two-time defending state champion C.D. Hylton was upset by Woodbridge in the regional semifinal, then the Patriots ousted Woodbridge to reach the state competition. Senior captain Allison Suggs said this sparked the Patriots Friday night.
``We came in with some confidence,'' she said. ``We knew we came out of a really tough region that we weren't expecting to win. We came out slow here, then started playing our game.''
Indian River reeled off a five-point lead in the opening minutes, but the Patriots battled back.
With co-captain Kris Carter serving, Kinsey Holder and Gene Kent blocked a kill attempt to spark a three-point spurt.
Indian River (16-5) earned a side-out, then stretched the Braves' lead to 12-9.
The Patriots went up 14-12 before a side-out. Indian River's LaTisha Grevious aced a serve, then served into the net. Patrick Henry won as a final Indian River return hit the net.
In the second game, Patriot Janelle Moeller served 10 straight points for a commanding lead. Indian River setter Linda Johannison went out with a knee injury at 5-0 and the Braves never recovered.
``It's wonderful,'' coach Marty Swan said. ``We came out real nervous about playing in a state tournament. Once we overcame that, we played loose and well. It's a great thing. The second game was anti-climatic, but to be this successful is wonderful for everyone.''
The Patriots (20-2) are the first girls' team in Patrick Henry history to advance to a state championship game.
They play Mills Godwin, which ousted Eastern Region winner Salem-Virginia Beach 15-8, 15-11, in the championship game today at 2 p.m. at Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach. Mills Godwin (19-0) has been state runner-up to C.D. Hylton the past two years.
``I think we're ready,'' Kent said. ``It'll take confidence and communication.''
by CNB