The last time South Carroll faced Westminster, the Cavaliers spotted the Owls two sets before rallying for a five-set win in September. This time, behind a fast start from Elaina Murphy, it was clear the Cavaliers wanted to ensure no comeback was needed.
Wearing pink gear for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cavaliers and their fans watched with confidence as South Carroll handled its toughest county competition in dominant fashion. The Cavaliers swept Westminster, 25-15, 25-21, 25-16, on Thursday night to remain undefeated in county play.
“We were super excited for this game,” South Carroll coach Kristine Keck said. “We got the reverse sweep last time, so I was glad to see how we’ve improved. We did great.”
To unfamiliar eyes, Murphy may have looked like she played with a new level of urgency, but to those who’ve followed the reigning Player of the Year, her intensity and talent are nothing new. She brought both to the court once again, carrying the Cavaliers through the first set.
“I’ve had four years of varsity experience at this level and my confidence just grows,” Murphy said. “I know I can go out and do what I need to do.”
Murphy was aggressive and powerful, delivering strike after strike off well-placed sets from her teammates. But she also showed poise and finesse, reading the defense and making smart plays that highlighted her game IQ as much as her athleticism.
“I know I have to make smart decisions and keep the ball in play and not cost my team points,” she said. “It’s about reading the defense and reacting to how they’re playing us.”
After Westminster built a 14-9 lead in the first set, Murphy led the Cavaliers on a 10-3 run to close it out.
As the match moved into the second set, South Carroll had to battle through a slow start. The Owls opened on a 6-1 run, but libero Gabi Deyo and Jenna Todd stepped up. Deyo, another senior leader on the deep and determined Cavaliers roster, brought calm to the floor.
“I just want to go for every ball,” she said. “We’re a really scrappy team and I want to try and encourage everyone. Giving up on a play is never something we do.”
In the third set, the Owls made their strongest push. Jaiden Hammel blocked a hard shot from Murphy at the net, triggering a 6-0 Westminster run that briefly silenced the crowd. The momentum shifted as Trinity Nelson, Gabby Zajaczkowski and Lily Clark fueled the Owls’ surge.
But the Cavaliers answered.
After a timeout from Keck, Brooklyn Anson delivered a crucial block at the net that sparked an 8-1 run — a fitting response to an Owls team whose only two losses this season have come against South Carroll.
A Murphy ace, followed by a Todd tip, sealed the sweep for the Cavaliers, who know there’s still work ahead if they want to bring home another county title.
“It’s nice beating Westminster, they’re a tough team, but we have another tough opponent coming up with Man Valley next,” Keck said. “We’re going to keep it going.”
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