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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Dutch rally to win season finale

Clutch serving helps Manchester finish on high note

By Ed Patino, Staff Writer

PUBLISHED: February 22, 2007

Emily Johnson and Stephanie Ball helped the Manchester freshman volleyball team close its season in style.

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With the duo scoring points in the clutch, the Flying Dutch rallied for a 23-25, 25-22, 15-12 victory over the East Jackson Trojans in the season finale Feb. 12.

Manchester was in danger of falling in two games after dropping the opener and trailing late in the second game. Johnson rallied the Dutch by serving the final four points of the game and extending the match.

Manchester coach Jenna Sparaco also credited Johnson with strong defensive play from the middle back position. Jordan Ridenour also served four points for the Dutch in the second game.

In the third game, East Jackson carried a late 12-10 lead, but again fell victim to a Dutch rally. This time it was Ball leading the comeback as she served the final five points of the game, giving Manchester the match.

"Overall, the girls had a good season, and I saw some growth as a whole from the beginning to now," Sparaco said. "They learned how to communicate on the court and developed covering their areas for defense."

The emergence of a strong front row also was a boost for the Manchester freshmen. Sparaco credited Stephanie Steele, Taylor Heldt, Brooke Fuller, Catherine Schultz and Emily Werner for becoming more aggressive up front throughout the season.

Staff Writer Ed Patino can be reached at 428-8173 or epatino@heritage.com.