Volleyball: Loch Raven sweeps Franklin

Loch Raven has experienced some problems closing out inferior opponents.

That wasn't the case Friday night against host Franklin as the Raiders (9-3) needed barely more than an hour to produce a 25-21, 25-22, 25-22 victory.

Setter Devin Herlihy (15 assists) and middle hitter Caroline Stanka (10 kills) sparked Loch Raven.

"There is usually a game where we don't show up," Raiders' coach Matt Smith said. "It's nice to see they didn't drop a game by lowering their play. We stepped up and finished it."

Mara Izzard (26 assists), Lauren Robbins (8 digs), Ross Blair (6 kills) and Felicia Shorter (6 kills) led Franklin.

Behind the serving of Herlihy and hitting of Stanka, Loch Raven ran off eight straight points in Game 1 to turn to a 12-11 lead to a 20-11 bulge.

The Raiders went on another late run in Game 2, scoring 13 consecutive points with Herlihy serving the bulk of them.

Franklin (7-3) was at its best in Game 3, mounting a 16-12 lead before Loch Raven closed with a 13-6 spurt.

"We had an off night tonight," Franklin coach Valerie Chromy said. "Our passing was the best its been."