Wilmington, NC - Using a second set comeback, the Cape Fear women's volleyball team went on to beat CCBC Essex 3-0 to win their second game of the day.
The Sea Devils served first in the opening set, earning the opening point. After the Knights tied the set at 1-1, the Sea Devils would win the next six points to lead 7-1. Essex would follow up with their own run to cut the score to 7-5.
The first set was highly contested early on. Cape Fear managed to hold the lead, but Essex would hang around. A turning point would come midway through the set, when Cape Fear would dig the ball at the net to take a 11-7 lead. They would use that to gain some separation from Essex, and jump out to a 14-7 lead.
The extended lead would be important, as the Knights would begin to rally, cutting the deficit to five. However, the Sea Devils would gain control of the set after that, and run away with the first set 25-15.
The Knights would take the first five points of the second set, with the Sea Devils unable to handle many of the opposition's serves. After earning their first point of the set, Cape Fear saw themselves go down 8-1 before a timeout was called. Essex would continue to hold the momentum however, managing to take a 13-5 lead.
Shortly after, a kill by sophomore Amber Tyndall would provide a bit of confidence for the Sea Devils, and they would begin cutting into the lead. Unclean play however would prevent them from putting together a long rally.
As the set wore on, Cape Fear would catch a break, as two consecutive controversial points would fall their way, cutting the lead to 18-13. It would give them the momentum they needed, as they narrowed the deficit to just two shortly after.
A strong attack capped off by a kill from Cali Watson would tie the set at 20-20. Cape Fear would take the lead right after, and go on to win the set 25-20, after being down 18-11.
Asked about the comeback during the second set, head coach Emily Coleman said overcoming deficits had been a focus of the team in practice. "One positive is that we have been focusing the past two weeks on fighting, being down, and dealing with adversity, so i'm really proud that we didn't give up."
Cape Fear would carry their momentum into the third set, jumping out to a 5-1 lead. Their play would be much cleaner, and they would extend their lead to 10-4 before Essex would call timeout.
The third set would be Cape Fear's cleanest, and most consistent of the match. They limited their mistakes, and put together a number of strong attacks. Their confidence had clearly grown from the comeback win in the previous set, and it showed in their play for the rest of the match. Despite Essex's efforts to rally multiple times, Cape Fear had an answer.
The Sea Devils would hold a large lead for much of the third set, going on to win by a score of 25-11.
After the match, coach Coleman was happy with the win, but felt her team can play much better. "It's another W, but it shows that we have a lot to still work on." She pointed out that playing with consistency was one area she'd like to see improve, and that they are more than capable of making the needed adjustments.
With the win, Cape Fear moves to 7-6 on the season. They will play again Tuesday, September 27th at 6:00 p.m. at home against Louisburg College.
Courtesy of Nick Denning
