High School Volleyball:
Cougars Take Conference Lead - Stop Vikings
Monday, October 8, 2001
By John Daglian
SJSports Staff Writer
The much anticipated match between the Eastern Lady Vikings and the Cherry Hill East Lady Cougars took place in Cherry Hill. These teams have shared the conference title the last two seasons and are on track to battle for that title once more. The Cougars entered the match undefeated. The Vikings had only one non-conference loss to Hunterdon Central on the road. These teams were eager to finish what they started almost one month ago at the Viking Invitational when the match was called due to an electrical problem.
The first game turned into an instant classic. Neither team would ever lead by more than two points. Finally, after three rotations Eastern got a game point at 14 - 13. However, the Cougars were able to side out and quickly tied the game at 14 off a tough serve. The next two serve receives were passed to the middle of the court and the Cougars' Jhane Zarghami knew what to do. The first one was spiked to the floor for a game point and the second was stuff blocked for the game winner. Thus, Cherry Hill had game one 16 - 14.
Eastern came out more determined in game 2 as they got a three point lead at 6 - 3. However, East was able to battle back and tie the game at six behind Cathy Girman and Amy Lejarzar. Ironically, during the game the scoreboard lost power. Fortunately, the problem was quickly resolved and the match continued. The Cougars were determined to end the match in two as they jumped out to a 13 - 6 lead behind tough serving and solid defense. However, the Vikings had other ideas as Jennifer Snyder and Natalie DeFeliciantonio got the Vikings back in the match at 11 - 14. That would be as close as they would get as East served out the game to take the match 2 games to none and earn the early conference lead.
The difference in the match proved to be back court defense and service receive as the Cougars were just that much better. The teams meet again on October 31st at Eastern. It should be another classic.
Match Leaders:*
Cherry Hill East:
Jhane Zarghami - 3 Aces, 11 Kills, 8 Blocks, 6 Digs
Cathy Girman - 6 Kills, 6 Blocks
Amy Lejarzar - 5 Kills, 2 Blocks, 8 Digs, 18 Assists
Katie Gold - 5 Kills, 2 Blocks, 10 Digs
Eastern:
Natalie DiFeliciantonio10 Kills, 2 Aces (10 Service Points)
Jennifer Snyder3 Kills, 2 Blocks, 1 Ace (Only served twice)
Caitlen Cielo7 Kills, 3 Blocks
Kristen Bertucci2 Aces, 21 Assists (7 Service Points)
*Statistics provided from Coaches Gurst and Armour for Cherry Hill East and Eastern respectively.
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