Claiming dramatic 2nd set, Irish volleyball sweeps FHS
KNOXVILLE — Playing only one senior while going on the road to face the 2018 Division I Class AA state runner-up Knoxville Catholic Lady Irish, a more experienced team, Farragut’s best chance for an upset match victory came in the second game.
Losing the opening game 25-17, the Lady Admirals (7-3 after the setback) jumped ahead 16-10 in game two — and had one game point at 25-24 before Catholic (7-3 after the match) rallied to take the second game 27-25 and go up 2-0.
The home team took control of game three early, then fought off a Farragut rally to close out the match 25-19.
“It was a great, great matchup,” said Andre Alves, Catholic assistant coach who was acting head coach in the absence of KCHS skipper Brent Carter.
Alves singled out Maya Alves, outside hitter, and Carlee Hart, right-side hitter, for “playing well,” while adding that Grainne McGrath “was tremendous in the middle.
“We try to spread our offense so we’re not always sending the ball to the left side, that’s too vanilla of an offense,” he added. “... So far it’s working well for us.”
Despite the loss, “I’m proud of these girls,” FHS head coach Susan Davidson said. “That’s the kind of play we need going into District (3-AAA). ... We’re starting to get that chemistry together.”
Individually, “I though Ira Au served and passed really well,” Davidson said about the junior defensive specialist. “Reese (Schroeder) did well in the back running things.
“I think Lexi Cosey, as a senior, did a great job,” she added about the right-side hitter. “... Kate Priest is a very smart player at the net. Ellie Ackermann, sophomore middle hitter, had some huge blocks — nine in all.”
