Spanish Springs dropped the first set to Carson in Tuesday night’s home opener, then won the next three to remain unbeaten in 4A North play with a 22-25, 25-21, 25-13, 25-16 victory.
It was the second consecutive regional match the Cougars started slowly (fell behind 2-0 at Reed on Thursday), only to rattle off the final three sets.
“I think this team really is finding their confidence,” Spanish Springs first-year coach Alix Cirac said. “They’re kind of starting the first set, letting the game dictate how they play, instead of the other way around and coming out hard and strong and fast. Carson has a great team. They’re big.”
The Cougars improved to 7-4, 3-0 in 4A North play while the Senators sunk to 3-7, 0-2.
With the second set tied 18-18 and Carson threatening to take a two-set lead, sophomore Alysa Micone put down three straight kills to ignite a decisive 5-0 run.
“Alysa Micone is going to be a pretty big deal,” Cirac said. “She’s not the most experienced kid, but she’s probably one of the most athletic kids I’ve ever coached, by far.”
A judgement was made much sooner in the third set. The Cougars went on 12-0 run early with Savannah Martin at the service stripe and didn’t see their lead shrink below nine the rest of the way.
Carson was much stronger at the start of the fourth, leading 9-6, but another big Spanish Springs run, a 12-1 burst, put the set, and the match away.
Jordyn Boswell led the Cougars with 12 kills. Gracie Fuller was one short of double figures.
The Cougars will put their unblemished regional record on the line Thursday in Minden against Douglas (6-4, 2-0).
“I’m happy to have (the 3-0 start). We’re going to have to be much mentally tougher and much stronger if we’re going to have any luck at Douglas,” Cirac said. “It’s tough to play down there and we’re going to have to bring a little more urgency to what we’re doing.”
Miners handle Raiders in three
The Raiders could not hang with one of the favorites to win the 4A North on Tuesday night.
Reed was swept aside on its home floor by Bishop Manogue 9-25, 10-25, 7-25, falling to 4-7, 0-3. The Miners improved to a perfect 11-0, 3-0.
A road trip to Carson (3-7, 0-2) awaits the Raiders on Thursday night.
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