No backing down
Focused run helps Baylor beat GPS again
With five appearances in the Division II-AA volleyball state title match in the past six years, the Baylor Lady Red Raiders know a thing or two about remaining poised under pressure.
They stretched their winning streak over East Region rival GPS to 15 matches in a tough road environment Wednesday night, when the lift of a senior setter provided a spark during a pivotal moment as Baylor won 25-23, 25-17, 25-17.
Refusing to let the ball hit the court, Julia Hartman dove and got a hand on a booming hit. The gutsy effort was rewarded as her dig flew over the net and the defense to land in bounds for a kill in what was part of a 9-0 run to take a 22-16 lead in the second set.
“We came together in the team huddle and knew we had to tune the crowd noise out,” said Hartman, who also provided strong serves in the crucial run. “We focused on us, our game and how well we can play. I just did everything I could for the team at that point and tried to keep the ball up and in play.”
Freshman Elli Kinney made her presence felt for Baylor (11-1, 2-0) during the same run with wellplaced kills and a block that took momentum from the Bruisers.
“Elli has been amazing for us,” Baylor coach Sarah Lail said. “She is leading the team in digs, and she just doesn’t back down. She might be young, but she is a baller. She goes out there and keeps going and grinding.”
GPS (8-7, 1-1) had its moments against the perennial power, including Preslee Brooskbank’s three straight kills to force the visitors into a timeout.
However, with Baylor playing to its full potential and in a rhythm, the hill was too steep to overcome, as was 6-foot-3 blocker Tess Margio. An energized Margio recorded five blocks and sidekick Sierra Herndon had four as the duo’s defense provided strong offense on a night the Lady Raiders rejected 13 shots.
“We came out here full of heart,” said Margio, who had six kills, as did Kinney. “When you get a big block, it just gets everyone going. We were hyped up. I feel like we are right where we need to be, but have to keep building and playing together.”
Toledo-committed Elaine Redman tied Brooksbank for a matchhigh 11 kills, and the Lady Raider junior setter/outside hitter also had 13 assists, 10 digs, a pair of blocks and an ace.
The Bruisers’ Chapel Cunningham finished with eight kills, while Ansley Blevins had three blocks and Faith Copeland posted a match-high 25 assists.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.