Central spikers' problems continue in loss to Marion

Cape Girardeau Central's volleyball team continued its tough season Monday night as visiting Marion, Ill., defeated the Tigers 15-4, 15-11.

Marion improved to 7-6 while Central fell to 1-18.

Marion started the first game red hot with a 5-0 run on its way to an easy victory. But the Tigers improved in game two and put up a much stronger effort.

"Central was a totally different team in the second game," Marion coach Lynn Love said.

Marion began with a 3-0 run but Central countered with three straight points of its own. Marion surged again with another three points but Central again fought back to rattle off four straight.

"We started slow," Love said, "and Central played very well, they came out with a lot of confidence."

The Tigers, led by team captain Anna Brisso and senior Courtney Edge continued to stay close to Marion. Brisso had four digs and two kills and Edge added three blocks and one kill.

But, after back and forth play for much of the game Marion finally broke loose after a timeout and ended the game with a four-point streak.

"I'm glad we didn't go three games. That's tough when you're on the road and the crowd gets into it," Love said.

Marion was led by Heather Robertson with four kills. Meridith Ashe and Katie Terry both had two kills while Ashe added two blocks.

"Once they get some confidence and win one or two maybe they'll get the hang of it," Central assistant coach Dale Williams said.

Central's JV also lost in straight games 15-6, 15-6 . A bright spot for the JV Tigers was Natasha Vallcroy. Vallcroy is a transfer from Notre Dame and is ineligible to play varsity this year.

"She played very well, she's a really good player." Central coach Sheila Midgett said.