The annual Centennial-River Hill volleyball match is one of those rivalries where the records just don't matter.
But more often than not, the two teams' records include a lot of wins. This year was no exception, with River Hill entering the match at 9-0 and Centennial at 7-2.
After Tuesday night's clash in Clarksville, River Hill is now 10-0, and Centennial is 7-3.
The Hawks defeated the Eagles, 25-11, 25-21, 21-25, 25-19.
"The second game, neither team was very good. Centennial played better than we did," said Lynn Paynter, coach of the undefeated Hawks, with a laugh. Centennial coach "Larry (Schofield) made some nice adjustments that affected our hitting, they were picking up more balls in the back court … and just played better than we did in the second game. The third game was pretty even and the fourth game we were back in charge."
River Hill has been boosted this season by the arrival of middle hitter Amber Wiswell, a transfer student from California. But the Hawks have also thrived on a solid foundation of experienced players.
Wiswell led the Hawks with 15 kills and five blocks on Tuesday, but senior Kristin Lee recorded an impressive 13 kills, 13 digs and four aces.
"We're always excited to play Centennial. They're our rivals and it's always a really good game and we're always so excited," Lee said. "At first when you get a new person (Wiswell) you're like 'How's it going to be, is she going to be good, is she going to take your spot?' But she obviously plays really well and she just got along with everybody on the team right away and it all clicks. She really helps on our offense and picks you up when you're down."
Right-side hitter Marta Roman added 11 digs, three aces and three blocks for the Hawks, while Kelly Davis had 13 digs.
Prior to this season, 14-time state champion Centennial had a 49-match league winning streak dating back to 2006.
Atholton (7-3) broke that streak on Sept. 27 of this season, and then Glenelg (8-2) handed the Eagles their second loss in a row a week later.
"In the loss, if you can find moral victories, we did play a really good team and we played them tough," Centennial coach Larry Schofield said. "We had a gameplan … and it started to come together in the second set. We executed, we did exactly what we talked about doing, turned the ball down the line, blocked cross court, hit the other way."
The Eagles were led by Cici White Torruellas (11 kills, 2 errors) and Trisha Mockapetris (9 kills).
"We haven't been playing up to our game but tonight we really stepped up," White-Torruellas said. "Our hitters had a game plan in mind, and we really tried to stick to it … we hit line a lot and it worked really well for us. If we use what we used against River Hill in our upcoming matches we can be really strong."
River Hill will visit Atholton on Thursday, and while Centennial has an off-day on its schedule, the Eagles and Hawks could meet again at this weekend's Gator Invitational at Reservoir. And possibly once more in the 3A East regional playoffs.
"It's going to be a great tournament this weekend … it's a great way to prepare for the playoffs," Paynter said. "Unfortunately it puts Reservoir and Centennial on the same boat we are as far as playing each other again prior to the playoffs, but I think it's going to be a great warmup for all of the girls, good competition all the way around."
Around the league
Glenelg 3, Mt. Hebron 1 (25-18, 27-25, 21-25, 27-25)
Morgan Perry (17 kills, 4 aces) and Aly Dillion (16 kills) led the Gladiators offense, while Molly Calvert chipped in seven kills and Shannon Long had three aces.
Perry, Calvert and Erin Jollota also put up a strong block at the net.
Reservoir defeated Marriotts Ridge in a hardfought, five-set match (28-26, 14-25, 16-25, 25-23, 15-11).
Howard swept Hammond, 3-0.
IAAM 'A' Conference
McDonogh 3, Chapelgate Christian 0