With a veteran lineup, West Iredell's volleyball team felt confident it had what it took to return to the 3A state championship match for the second time in three years.
But the Warriors fell two victories shy of earning a trip back to Raleigh when they lost in the fourth round of the playoffs Saturday to Charlotte Catholic. West fell in five games, with two of those — including the decisive fifth frame — being decided by two points.
It was a disappointing end to such a strong campaign. The Warriors finished undefeated in the North Piedmont Conference to claim the league championship, and West won 22 of its 24 matches.
Experience was key, according to coach Krystle Miller. Five of West Iredell's nine players were seniors, several of whom played varsity as sophomores when the Warriors lost to D.H. Conley in five games in the 2007 3A state championship match.
"The seniors played great," Miller said. "They gave me everything they had this season."
West says good-bye to Amy Deal, Anna Johnson, who had 19 kills, 14 digs and three aces against Charlotte Catholic, Jordan Ostwalt, Emily Robinette and Jenna Romito.
The cupboard won't be bare in 2010, though. Not with quality hitters and blockers like Paige Courson and Tess Sigmon returning.
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