[Baltimore Sun] Elaina Murphy leads South Carroll volleyball to 3-0 sweep of Manchester Valley
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As Kristine Keck settles in as South Carroll’s first-year volleyball coach, she knows from coaching a majority of the girls on JV years ago, that there is a ton of talent within the program. Now, she gets the pleasure to unleash that talent as the Cavaliers prepare for every team to pay its best game in an attempt to knock off the defending county co-champions.
Monday night against Manchester Valley was no exception, but as has been the case in every match this season, the Cavaliers prevailed. Holding off a pesky Mavericks team, Elaina Murphy and her teammates responded to every run, sweeping the match 25-21, 25-17, 25-20.
“We knew this would be a challenge,” Keck said, “But we did exactly what we had in our game plan and we played great.”
The game plan was simple: Use every offensive weapon and use them effectively. Keck’s best weapon, Murphy, did a little bit of everything for the Cavaliers. The first set was all about her serve, which was powerful and accurate — and basically unreturnable — as she stunned the Mavericks with six straight aces.
“I came to the back row after not doing so well in the front, so I knew I had to make up for that with my serves and get some points that way,” she said. “They are a good, athletic team, so putting pressure on them with my serve is the perfect counter.”
Despite the Mavericks being down, the never let up as Emily Troy brought some powerful serves herself. Troy also moved to the front line and delivered some powerful strikes paired with a quick reaction time as she lead the Mavericks to within striking distance after trailing big in both the first and second sets, prompting Keck to call a timeout and refocus her team.
“These girls are really good and experienced players,” Keck said. “They’re really good at resetting. They just need a deep breath and they’re good to go.”
After moments to regroup the Cavaliers got on a roll and quickly showcased the weapons Keck brags about. When it wasn’t Murphy, it was Pia White and Kaelyn Bowyer stepping up, and the duo of Addison Bartolain and Jenna Todd standing strong in the middle.
“We had a lot of confidence in our play and a lot of communication,” Murphy said. “That allowed us to see the other team’s sweet spots and capitalize on them.”
As Murphy hit back-to-back aces to finish the Mavericks off in the second set, the final set was more of the same. Taylor Berger and Leah Miller entered the party, adding to the total team effort as the Cavaliers earned the sweep.
With another win under her belt, Keck marveled after the match not just about how good her team is, but also the progress they have made and will continue to make as a key stretch of the season approaches.
“I’m watching them as they mature not just as players, but people as well,” Keck said. “Its very exciting to watch.”
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