York Volleyball Opens 3A Tourney With Sweep of Coalfield

By Michael Lindsay

 

After a historic regular season, the York Institute Lady Dragon volleyball team kept their momentum going in the District 3A tournament opening round Monday night as they swept Coalfield, 3-0.

“We were pretty solid I thought,” said York volleyball coach Michael Green. “We played Coalfield last Thursday, too, so they’re very familiar with us. We had Emerson Maier back, our senior floor coach and captain. With her being back, we’re a lot more comfortable out there.”

York won 25-11, 25-23 and 25-19.

After dominating the first set, the Lady Dragons were tied late in the second before pulling away to win, 25-23.

“We’ve been down as many as 15 during the season,” Green said. “A lot of these sets, I’m sure everybody thinks we’re beaten and we just battle back. A lot of times, we don’t capitalize when we get up like we should. But that’s part of being a new team and inexperienced.”

With a 2-0 lead, York Institute went on to win the third and complete the sweep, 25-19.

“We found a way that third set to pull that one out,” Green added. “We wanted to win 3-0; Coalfield’s a good team.”

Serving was a key for York on Monday.

“Our serving has got a lot better, too,” Green said. “I had to add some running incentives in for that. Everybody is stepping up and has improved so much.”

The win advances YAI to the District 3A tournament semifinals, where they’ll face Harriman at 5:30 CDT at Oakdale School.

Postseason ramps up the pressure on the Lady Dragons, who are the school’s first volleyball program in 40 years. Green doesn’t beat around the bush with his team, though.

“We’re just honest with them; you get beat and you’re done,” he said. “You want to keep playing? You’ve got to win. We weren’t looking past Coalfield, but we’ve got to win two games. Now we have to win Tuesday night against Harriman, who in my opinion is the best team in the district. They’re a great team, and if we don’t show up Tuesday night we’ll be going home early.”

Preparation for Harriman is limited given the quick turnaround.

“We’ll watch a little film, but we’re so inexperienced that watching film doesn’t do a whole lot of good,” Green said, “We’ve got a few rotations, and just go play. We’ll keep doing what’s got us here.”

Multiple Dragons will need solid performances to secure a win over Harriman on Tuesday.

“Emerson and Cali Franklin are always solid for us,” Green said. “They’re our floor coaches, and without those two we’re not 15-2. The further you get, the better teams you’ll face. Those two really have to step up. Josie Linder and Emma Cooper are coming on; Raylee Werner is too.”

York vs. Harriman in the District 3A semifinals at Oakdale is scheduled for 5:30 CDT. More content from Monday’s win coming to www.uppercumberlandreporter.com and to www.facebook.com/uppercumberlandreporter.

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