Valley Sports ReportDANVILLE — Top-seeded Athens earned the right to defend its District 4 title with a sweep of fourth-seeded Midd-West here Monday in the semifinals of the Class 4A volleyball playoffs.
The Wildcats, who won by scores of 25-20, 25-7, and 25-18, will face third-seeded Danville, a five-set winner over second-seeded Central Columbia Monday night.
"We played really tight and nervous tonight," said Athens coach Heather Darrow. "The second set we played more relaxed and third set the serve-receive passing wasn't going well, however, the Wildcats found a way to finish.
"I chalk it up to first set to district nerves," noted Darrow. "We went back to ancient bad habits that make an appearance when we aren't locked into the match due to fighting different kind of nervousness.
"We had the skill enough to find a way to beat them and we had some nice plays," she added. "I think we will be more excited than nervous for Wednesday; that will make a difference."
Junior Kendall Galasso had 11 service points and five kills to lead the Wildcats, while senior Meg Wiles had 38 setter assists, four digs, and two points, and junior Ellie Mosher registered nine kills, one block, and seven points.
Sophomore Kayla Forbes had four points, including three aces, eight digs, and three assists in the win, while senior Hannah Parrish had five points, five digs, and three kills, and freshman Evelyn Roy had 12 kills and two digs.
Junior Lainey Vosburgh had had five digs and two kills for Athens, while senior Emma Mallare had five kills, sophomore Emi McQuay added three aces, two digs and two kills, and Sorana Marica chipped in with two digs.
Darrow had plenty of praise for her team:
"Ellie Mosher had some great shots tonight and was really steady serving.
"Meg Wiles found our hitters and shared the ball with everyone tonight.
We had more hitting errors tonight in our three sets. Our serve receive passing plus hitting errors made for a nerve racking third set.
Lainey Vosburgh stayed steady for us with her serve-receive passing and that helped.
"Emma Mallare did a fantastic job showing the girls how open left front was on the other side.
"Kendall Galasso saw what Emma was doing and when it was her turn to go in during the second set, she dominated immediately and kept swinging to their left back."
"Hannah Parrish had some great roll shots and tips that threw the defense off.
"Kayla Forbes served aggressively and really stepped up for the third set to finish it off.
"Emi McQuay ran some great plays in the middle and had a great serving night.
"Evelyn Roy kept swinging away and had some great hits.
"It was great to get Sorana Marica in on the second and third set to get some experience."
The Wildcats, now 11-5, will square off with the Ironman (9-10) Thursday at 6 p.m. back at Danville High School.
"The girls feed off each other and make adjustments when needed," said Darrow. "Again, the biggest adjustment we are going to need is bringing energy and excitement."
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IN PHOTO: Athens senior Meg Wiles. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
