Lady Eagles corral Mustangs

With a 19-8 overall record this season, things are looking good for the Princeton High volleyball team, who conquered yet another foe on Thursday when they bested visiting Champion Christian 3-0.

It was a learning experience for all the players on the Princeton team, with many non-starters getting important playing time and experience, while also giving a unique perspective to those players who spend the majority of their time on the court.

Princeton coach Matt Harvey reflected on his decision to put in his less-seasoned players, saying, "It's great for the other girls to get some time. It's also an opportunity for the girls normally playing to see the other side of the game. They get to watch on the side and really support their teammates on the court. I think that's important."

Things went spectacularly for the Eagles during the first game, with Amanda Hansen registering three aces to wrap it up at an efficient 25-10.

After making many substitutions, Princeton continued to steamroll the visitors, as Lady Eagle Maryssa Martin racked up two aces in a row, followed by one of her night's seven kills.

When the Mustangs began to trot back into the competition in the middle of Game 2, Princeton dug in and fought back, with Amanda Hansen pulling out all the stops and acing Champion three times to regain the lead. Hansen finished her night with 11 aces and 10 assists.

An ace from Julia Romo zipped up the 25-22 victory for the Eagles in the second game.

In the third, Princeton tightened the vice even more on their visitors, as Miranda Perez aced the Mustangs three times, while Martin again showcased her form and powered down a kill that saw the other players move away rather than dig for it.

Further kills from Hansen, along with two aces concluded the game and sent Champion home with a loss, as the Eagles took the third game 25-14.

Of his team's upcoming weeks, Harvey said, "It'd be nice to get the league title, and I'd like to see a home game in the playoffs."

He added, "We need to be efficient. We need to be working hard on every point during the game. When we play harder teams - and we will be during playoffs - every point matters."

The Eagles, hoping to keep with their unbeaten 8-0 league record intact, host Paradise Adventist Academy on Thursday to wrap up the regular season.

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com