October 19, NC students and parents gathered at the Carrollton High School arena for a playoff volleyball match. The NC Lady Warriors varsity volleyball team (33-15) won all three sets against the Carrollton High School Trojans (22-17), finishing the match with set scores of 25-10, 25-8 and 25-14, winning each set by at least 11 points. NC’s win increased their overall record, only proving their dominance.
“Before the game, I was feeling pretty prepared and was excited for the game. After I was at a high because we all played so well and all had great energy the whole game. Senior middle hitter Carys Sanabria (10) had a great game with lots of kills and blocks. She was reliable when we needed her and had a really consistent game. That game was super important for carrying our energy against West Forsyth (27-14). Now that we know we can play that well, it was good feeling secure about our talents as a team,” senior outside hitter and defensive specialist Sarah Boyle (7) said.
The Lady Warriors set the game’s mood as they entered the Carrollton arena with loud cheers and high expectations. The first set began with a tie of 2, before Boyle scored a kill, raising the score up 3-2. Junior outside hitter Mia Golbach (4) followed closely, scoring a kill as well and bringing the score up 4-2. The game remained intense as the score quickly racked up 8-6. Once again, Goldbach scored another kill, and the crowd erupted with excitement. As the score rose to 13-8, the Lady Warriors refused to let the Trojans believe in victory for even a second. Sanabria blocked several hits from the opposing team as the score reached 18-8.
The Lady Warriors breezed through the second set and confidence ramped up high as they reached a set score of 10-4. Junior middle hitter Isabella Lane (13) blocked Carrollton’s attacker and the game progressed thrillingly. NC kept ramping up their score and as they neared the end of the second set, they maintained their energy and scored high 24-8. Sanabria hit a kill, and the score rose up to a final 25-8.
The Carrollton Trojans persevered through the beginning of the third set as it progressed neck to neck. The score increased 7-6 with the Warriors taking the lead once again as Lane earned a block. The cheers coming from NC supporters exemplified the teams’ level of confidence and skill, while the Trojan supporters kept their cheering to a minimum. The third set concluded a score of 25-14 and NC took the win. This second-in-a-row win bumps NC’s season record up to 32-15. As NC progresses, they await their next state playoff to face West Forsyth High School at 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 22.
“I feel so thrilled to be a part of the team. I’m proud of our wins and accomplishments, it just shows how much hard work we’ve put in during our practices. I feel prepared for Tuesday’s game, hopefully, we continue to win just like last year. We work hard every day in practice and these teams we’re playing are teams we’ve seen before so I think we are more than ready to face them in state,” magnet sophomore setter Ashley Hendershot (1) said.
