Jackson sweeps past Cape Central

Sports contests are ultimately decided by the final score. But often scores and records don't tell the entire story.

Cape Girardeau Central's girls volleyball team dropped a SEMO Conference match to Jackson 15-2, 15-4 at Central High School on Tuesday.

The Lady Indians (10-1-1) were, unquestionably, superior in all facets of the game. The Lady Tigers (0-8-1), however, continue to play hard and show improvement under new coach Sheila Midget.

On the Central program that has been down for the past several years, Jackson coach Nancy Ellis said, "I think Cape has come a long way. They have improved a lot since last year. I'm excited for their future and us playing them in the future."

In the first set, Jackson unleashed its powerful service and net game at the opening whistle and never looked back.

Cape Central opened a 2-0 lead in the second set, but the Lady Indians got untracked with eight straight points to pull ahead. Leading 13-4, Jackson's Courtney Vance ripped two consecutive aces to close out the match.

"I think we understand the game a lot better than we did in the past," said Midget. "Things happen so fast when you play teams like Jackson and it takes us a little time to think and react."

"I don't doubt that they want to win, but right now I doubt that they know how to win ."

Jenna Leet and Jennifer Mesey led Jackson with six kills each. Kacie Crites added three kills, while Jessica Koeper and Erin Hartmann chipped in with two apiece. Hartmann led with seven assists; Koeper and Vance had four each.

Jackson's JV squad won in straight sets 15-6, 15-7 to complete the sweep.