BY GENE NARDI
On Thursday, Oct. 7, the Palm Beach Central High School girls varsity volleyball team hosted the King’s Academy. The Broncos fell short in four sets to the Lions (25-11, 25-18, 25-27, 25-15).
The Broncos (6-4) started slow out of the gate but managed to keep within four points at 11-7, but fell to an accurate Lions offense. The Broncos suffered from three serving errors into the net during the first set.
The second set appeared to go in the right direction for the Broncos early, as they drew first blood, getting the first three points. The team continued solid play, holding onto a 6-3 lead early in the set. Palm Beach Central wrestled with serving mistakes through the match, sending one into the net in the second set, allowing the Lions to eventually tie it up 8-8. The teams battled back and forth with impressive play, but the Broncos could not muster the needed accuracy. TKA took an 18-14 advantage and closed the set 25-18.
Palm Beach Central needed to win the third set or it would be an early night, and that they did. Solid play up front and accurate passing helped earn the Broncos the third set 27-25 to breathe new life into the match. The win came after an early scare, when the Lions took a 12-9 lead, but a determined Bronco squad would not be denied a fourth set. Consistent play from Taylor Gregory helped the Broncos through the night.
The fourth set started with the Broncos earning the first point, but mistakes would haunt the squad. Serves passed the tape or hit the net, giving the Lions the break they needed. Communication appeared to be an issue at times in the fourth set for Palm Beach Central, which forced the Broncos to call a time out down 13-7.
The Broncos battled back but could not defend against an accurate Lions front, and fell in the fourth 25-15.
The Broncos are 6-4 on the season. Taylor Gregory had nine kills for the Broncos. Carley Gregory had three kills. Ashley Stevens had three blocks.
Palm Beach Central traveled to play John I. Leonard High School on Tuesday, Oct. 13, but results were not available at press time.
ABOVE: Valerie Diaz and Megan Hamilton keep the ball in play.
