Published: Sep 27, 2009 02:13 PM
Modified: Sep 27, 2009 02:43 PM
CARY – And so the win streak continues.
The Cary Academy volleyball extended its record to 19-0 on Friday night after defeating Ravenscroft 3-0 in game that the Chargers controlled from the outset.
As its undefeated season continues to roll on, Friday marked the fifth straight match that Cary Academy has swept all three games.
The Chargers – who won the three games by scores of 25-11, 25-14 and 25-9 over the Ravens – haven’t lost since falling to eventual champion Charlotte Latin School in the semifinals of the NCISAA state playoffs last year, a bitter loss that continues to spark CA.
“We got beat in the semifinals of states and we’re back for revenge,” said senior Mackenzie Larsen.
The Chargers did get a bit of revenge earlier this season, as they defeated Charlotte Latin 3-2 on the road.
But ultimately, Cary Academy aims to take this win streak to a state championship, something that has eluded these Chargers.
“As seniors, it’s hard to imagine not going (to the championship),” said senior Kelly Andrejko.
“(The semifinal loss) stuck in their minds all offseason and they were ready right away,” said CA coach Melanie Bryant.
So far, the Chargers have thrived on solid team chemistry, something that both coaches and players said is noticeably stronger.
“We know where everyone is going to be,” Andrejko said. “The front line can trust me to be behind them, and I know they’re going to be up on the ball.”
“This team has been a team,” Bryant added. “You don’t want to let down your teammates, but it seems even deeper than that when don’t want to let down your friends. And they are friends.”
But as the Chargers head into the meat of their conference schedule, they know they’ll have to step it up a notch to keep the streak going.
“We have to work a lot harder than we have been,” Larsen said.
Senior Alison Parker added: “We have to play at our level, instead of our opponents.'"
And that may mean doing some fine-tuning.
“I think we’re going to have to go back to basics and work on the little things,” said assistant coach Gregg Warren.
That said, the Chargers have continued to build on their offensive skills, and learned more of the intricacies of the game.
“Now they’re starting to get the game more. They’re starting to understand strategies, where on the court they can go, where on the court they should go,” Warren said.
And so far, it’s paying off.