Preps

Volleyball: Countryside cruises by Mitchell

If this was a preview of the Class 6A, District 7 final, Countryside should defend its title with ease.

By IZZY GOULD
Published October 10, 2007

If this was a preview of the Class 6A, District 7 final, Countryside should defend its title with ease.

The Cougars scored 12 consecutive points in Game 1, thanks to the strong serving of Davionna DiSalvatore, and never let up against host Mitchell, 25-5, 25-22 and 25-15.

The win concluded district play, where Countryside (20-2, 10-0) has gone three straight seasons without a loss. The Cougars were led by talented hitter Madison Truluck .

"They made a decision to stay focused," Countryside coach Kaylyn Bayly said.

The Mustangs fought back, winning the first two points in Games 2 and 3. Mitchell tied Game 2 at 22, thanks to a solid kill by Mustangs junior Amy Petrella. But a mis-hit by teammate Lea Webber followed by a Countryside point and a carry led the Cougars' Game 2 win. Countryside took a 3-2 lead in Game 3 and went up by as many as 11 before winning out four consecutive points.

Mitchell (16-6, 6-4) struggled to gain momentum. A few girls were sent home shortly before the game to get the correct uniforms, and that limited warmup time. It showed as the Mustangs fired countless unforced errors beyond the baseline, into the net or into the arms of Countryside defenders who seemingly always had an answer.

"They came out cold and flat," Mitchell coach Keith Paulk said. "It takes everything we have against Countryside. They're way too good to give them anything."

Staff writer Izzy Gould contributed to this report.

[Last modified October 10, 2007, 00:13:29]