APA volleyball succeeds, soccer falters to St. David's
Arendell Parrott’s Mackenzie Pope prepares to set up a teammate during Tuesday’s victory over St. David’s. Photo by Laieke Abebe / Neuse News
After back-to-back heartbreaking five-set losses, Tuesday was a bounce back for Arendell Parrott.
The Patriots (13-3, 1-1 Eastern Plains Independent) were dominant as they defeated Raleigh St. David’s 25-6, 25-16, 25-19. The Patriots set the tone with great serving and passing early and often against Warriors (11-6, 1-3).
APA coach David Barnes and his team needed a boost of confidence after losses to Wilmington Coastal Christian and Cary Christian last week.
“We’ve had some tough losses to some great teams,” he said. “Today was a day to get refocused on the goals we set at the beginning of the season. I think we were the better serving and passing team today and that was the difference in today’s game.”
Senior setter Mackenzie Pope was key in making sure her teammates continued to dominate the match. She had 32 assists in the game, many to outside hitters Alli Grant Avery and Virginia Edmondson, who continued to attack the Warriors back line.
“We had to build our confidence back up today,” Pope said about her teams success. “After the first set, we came out and played the way we always play. With every kill, I think it got everyone’s heads up and it gave me confidence to find the right passes for my teammates.”
The Warriors gave their best effort in the final set getting it to within one point a 11-10. However, a few service aces from eighth-grader Lauren Richardson and a great block from Edmondson kept the lead intact for the Patriots.
“Our game plan is to establish ball control,” Barnes added. “Our passing is the key for us to be strong at the net. The better we pass, the better we’ll be able to attack and play our game.”
Arendell Parrott travels to face Raleigh Grace Christian in conference play on Thursday.
In soccer, despite a spirited effort, Arendell Parrott just couldn’t find the back of the net.
The Patriots (7-6, 1-1 Eastern Plains Independent) fell 2-1 to Raleigh St. David’s at home on Tuesday. Shivar Person’s team had a good amount of chances and possession, but weren’t able to capitalize.
Despite the tough loss to the Warriors (4-7, 2-1), the Patriots have seen a resurgence in their boys soccer program.
“I think we had a couple of mental breakdowns in this match,” Person said. “We didn’t get goal side on their free kick set play in the second half. It was actually a really good play that was well executed. I thought we played well in spurts, but every second of every game matters.”
After giving up the opening goal early in the first half, freshman forward Jesse Morquecho scored with four minutes left in the first half to tie the game at 1. Senior forward George Dismukes picked up the assist.
The Patriots were coming off of a 4-3 overtime win over Cary Christian. It was a come-from-behind effort that made Person and his team confident that they can continue their success.
“We hadn’t beaten Cary Christian since 2013,” Person said about that match. “It was an emotional roller coaster of a game with everything that happened. I think our conference is wide open and all of our opponents are really good. It definitely makes for a great stretch run.”
Arendell Parrott heads on the road to face Raleigh Grace Christian in conference action Thursday.
