By By BRIAN HAINES
Sports Writer
WILLIAMSTON — The Northside volleyball team failed to carry its momentum from an impressive win over Manteo earlier in the week as the Panthers were swept by Four Rivers Conference rival Williamston 25-11, 25-18, 25-12 on Thursday.
Northside (5-5, 2-3) had stretches where it looked like the team that stunned the Redskins, but not enough of them as the inconsistent Panthers struggled to get rallies of more than three consecutive points all night.
“We weren’t playing together and we sure weren’t playing like we did the other night,” Northside coach Tammi Wagaman said. “We couldn’t pass and we couldn’t serve-receive, and when you can’t do that then there goes the game.”
Wagaman said that part of the inconstancy stems from fielding a youthful team that starts only two seniors.
“I start a freshman, three sophomores and two seniors,” Wagaman said. “We do have a young team, and sometimes that youth takes effect and we can be up and down.”
The Tigers (9-1, 4-1) on the other hand, pieced together a pretty solid night and held control for the better part of three sets.
Williamston used a 12-3 run to turn a 9-6 advantage into a 21-9 lead, effectively putting the first game out of reach for the Panthers.
Northside’s inconsistency was evident early, as it only scored three points in a row once in its 25-11 loss.
Tigers’ head coach Herbie Rogers said that getting off to a fast start was imperative.
“I knew coming in that we had to play well,” Rogers said. “With Northside beating Manteo, that’s kind of an eye-opener for our girls. I thought for the most part we came out and played pretty well.”
The Tigers slipped a little at the start of the second set, and the Panthers pounced all over them to take a 13-7 lead. Williamston got back on track and rattled off a 10-3 run which was followed by an 8-2 run and in the blink of an eye the Tigers had pulled off a 25-18 win.
“(Williamston) got some really good serves on us so our confidence went down once again,” Wagaman said. “And once again it all comes down to passing and serving.”
The Tigers got a strong game from Erin Bowen, who was impressive in her first game at outside hitter, while setter Heather Jackson and OH Katie Paschal came up big all night.
Whitney Lewis put forth a strong game for the Panthers, along with setter Jordan Cooke and Savannah Boyd.
Williamston will be back in action on Monday when it hosts Washington, while the Panthers will host Roanoke Tuesday.