Action intensifies in church league volleyball
Samantha Jennings helped lead Westwood to a 2-0 start in a three-set thriller Tuesday night.
There will be plenty more contenders before the season is done, but the early match of the year in the revived Church League Volleyball season happened Tuesday night.
Westwood and Covenant put on a show, fighting through a three-set thriller full of big spikes, long volleys, smashed serves and plenty of smiles on both sides.
By the end of the night, Westwood had rallied all the way back, winning 21-25, 25-4 and 15-12.
With rosters full of former Lady Pioneers and Lady Lions, it was no surprise the action was intense from the first hit.
Covenant was able to strike first, leaning on its father-daughter combination through most of the first set. Chris Madewell, a standout athlete in his Pioneer playing days, showed he still had plenty of life in his legs, springing up for spikes while also rolling at the service line when Covenant roared into a lead midway through the first set.
Most of Chris' best hits came off sets from Emma Madewell, who was everywhere for the team as they built an early lead.
Westwood wasn't going to go quietly though. With former Lady Pioneer standout Samantha Jennings leading the way, the comeback started almost immediately.
Westwood showed why it's long been viewed as one of the league favorites, even after just two weeks of play, in the second set, completely dominating Covenant to even up the match. Jennings had a big hand in it, as did sisters Ella and Lola Wells and the Gilleys - Hope and Gracie.
By the third set, the rotations had been trimmed down and the battle ensued. It was back and forth the whole way, with tension building every time the ball went into the air. Ultimately, Westwood found a way to get an edge at the end and left McMinnville Church of God's gym with a perfect 2-0 record.
And, in what has become a customary trend, they celebrated with some ice cream from Sonic after the victory.
The Cross Denominators also stayed in the ranks of the unbeaten with a straight-set win over First Baptist, 25-14 and 25-20. Showing off one of the league's deepest lineups (the team will be without star Bethany Mesaros for the season following her opening-night knee injury), the Cross Denominators blended strong net play with great serves to move to 2-0.
Holly Palombo turned the match in the first set with her serving, while Justin Bouldin provided all the defense the team needed at the net. Jessie Young and Aleah Davis were flying around in the back row, making sure nothing hit the ground and, when the team needed a set, Michael Coates delivered.
Mia Hobbs was also able to step into a starring role Tuesday night. Her time to shine came when Rolling Acres BIC rolled past Safe Harbor Church of God 25-7 and 25-13. Making her Church League debut, Hobbs - an all-district volleyball player at WCHS who also played college basketball - showed she hadn't developed any rust in her game.
She led Rolling Acres to its first win of the season, helping establish the squad as a contender whenever she's on the court.
Called to Serve also enjoyed its first win of the season Tuesday, topping Safe Harbor in three sets, 25-14, 24-26 and 15-4, to open play.
Games continue Thursday with four more matchups at McMinnville Church of God starting at 5:30 p.m.
Thursday Schedule:
McMinnville Church of God vs. Safe Harbor Church of God, 5:30 p.m.
Old Testament Athletes vs. First Baptist Church, 6:30 p.m.
Rolling Acres BIC vs. Called to Serve, 7:30 p.m.
Rock Island Church of Christ vs. Covenant Fellowship Church, 8:30 p.m.
Standings (following June 16 matches)
Old Testament Athletes 2-0
Cross Denominators 2-0
Westwood Church of Christ 2-0
Rock Island Church of Christ 1-0
McMinnville Church of God 1-1
Rolling Acres BIC 1-1
Called to Serve 1-1
Covenant Fellowship Church 1-2
First Baptist Church 0-2
Safe Harbor Church of God 0-4
