Princeton junior Juliayna Adams attempts to hit the ball around the block of a McKinney defender. Photo by David Wolman / C&S Media
By David Wolman
The Princeton volleyball team entered last Friday’s season finale hoping to play the role of spoiler.
Prosper had already clinched a playoff berth, but the Lady Panthers were determined to slow the Lady Eagles’ momentum while earning their first District 6-6A victory.
Princeton showed flashes of strong play, but Prosper delivered timely kills and played stellar defense to secure a 25-12, 25-21, 25-15 sweep at Princeton Arena.
The Lady Panthers showed promise early in the opening set.
Sophomore middle hitter Alexis Osaghae delivered a kill to tie the score at 2-2. Prosper then seized control with a six-point run, taking a 9-2 lead behind two powerful kills by junior Blayklee Reed and another by junior Aleyah Gayton.
Princeton turned to its serving to mount a comeback.
Senior Samantha Phillips recorded aces on consecutive points, with the second cutting Prosper’s lead to 11-7. The Lady Panthers had other opportunities to close the gap, but the Lady Eagles’ defense repeatedly dug out hard-hit attacks to keep Princeton from gaining momentum.
While Prosper limited Princeton’s offense, its hitters continued to find success against the Lady Panthers’ defense.
Moments after Phillips’ second ace, freshman Paige Jesulatis delivered a powerful kill that helped spark a 14-5 Prosper run to close out the first set.
Princeton refused to let the opening-set loss dictate the rest of the match.
The Lady Panthers nearly stunned Prosper with a late rally in the second set.
Princeton jumped out to a 3-1 lead behind kills from seniors Emilie Parrott and Tito Abiba, along with Osaghae. A diving dig by junior libero Kinlee Ratliff helped set up Abiba’s kill.
Prosper responded with a 12-4 run to take a 13-7 lead and appeared to have the set under control after extending its advantage to 18-12.
But the Lady Panthers battled back.
Phillips delivered two more service aces to trim the deficit to 18-15, and senior Sucely Smith followed with a kill to pull Princeton within 18-16.
Although Prosper maintained the lead, Princeton continued to apply pressure.
After the Lady Eagles went ahead 23-19, junior Juliayna Adams recorded an ace that cut the deficit to 23-21.
That was as close as the Lady Panthers would get.
Prosper responded with a block on the next point, and Reed delivered a kill on set point to give the Lady Eagles a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five match.
Princeton never led in the third set, although Abiba continued to provide an offensive spark.
She recorded a pair of kills, with the second helping the Lady Panthers narrow the deficit.
However, her efforts were not enough to overcome Prosper’s balanced attack and strong defensive play.
The Lady Eagles closed the match with an 11-7 run to complete the sweep and bring Princeton’s season to an end.
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