COVINGTON, Ga. - Peachtree Academy’s volleyball team continued their commanding 2019 season with a 3-0 victory over Heritage High School Tuesday afternoon, extending their record to 18-2.
Besides their only two losses of the season that came in August, head coach Bobby Mitchell has been able to put together an impressive season so far. Mitchell’s squad was able to continue its remarkable run against the Patriots.
The Panthers opened the first match with nine straight points, with seven coming from kills. Their 18-3 run opened the first set and established the tempo for what was to come.
“Serving [got us going early], most teams are not used to passing serves that hard and that flat, we have to serve at a high level,” Mitchell said.
Kinsley Jordan led the way for the Panthers in the opening match, and she ended with seven kills in what was a 25-10 win for the opening set.
“[Jordan] was all over the court, she saved several balls,” Mitchell said. “She is an incredible player.”
The second set was not as easy for the Panthers, Heritage kept the score close, as the two teams traded scores for the majority of the second set.
With a close 16-12 lead halfway through the second match, the Panthers would go on another big run, outscoring the Patriots 9-2 to take the second set. This was a testament to the momentum that they have used to their advantage throughout the season.
In the middle of the big run, Haley Hopkins would put three aces over the net, showcasing the work Mitchell has been trying to establish all season through their serves.
“It all goes back to the serving, once that [momentum] starts rolling in your favor, it is so powerful, especially in this school,” Mitchell said.
Peachtree Academy closed the second set with a score of 14-25, looking for a chance to sweep Heritage with another quality set.
The Panthers earned points from all over in the third set of the game, with seven different Panthers earning kills. Heritage did not go away easily and kept the score close for the first half of the final match.
Despite errors from both teams early, the Panthers continued to apply to pressure, and two big aces by Jordan to get the final two points of the match capped off the sweep for the Panthers.
After extending their record to 18-2 on the season, Peachtree Academy will look continue their masterful 2019 campaign, taking on Rock Springs at home Thursday afternoon.
