COURTLAND
In the first round of the playoff tournament, Southampton High defeated Colonial Heights on Monday night with scores of 25-18, 25-23, 25-27 and 25-20.

“We were going into the match defeating Colonial Heights two times in the regular season, but knowing they were a good team and could play well,” coach Amy Davis said. “I felt like the girls had a lot of nerves going into the match with the pressure of a single elimination tournament and it took them a while to settle in.”

The victory was led by Courtney Vinson with three aces and 14 assists; Danielle Moore with five aces and 13 assists; Sarah Williams with two aces and eight kills; Jenna Billups with three aces and nine kills; Madison Wright with six digs and one save; and Emma Drake with 14 kills.

“It was a difficult game. We went into the game too confident. It was a tough game against Colonial Heights but in the end the better team came out on top and I’m happy to say that was us,” sophomore Emma Drake said.

Senior Courtney Vinson said, “Going into Colonial Heights on Monday night we were all confident that we could take home the win. The start of the game we got a small lead that made a big difference in the long run. Colonial Heights stayed right with us most of the game but we kept the lead and worked hard to earn our win. Unfortunately we lost the third set 25-27 but we all knew we were going to win the last set without a doubt.”

Junior Sarah Williams said, “I am so proud of our team for winning last night and I’m super excited to be going to the second round of conference. I know we will do great, no matter what happens.”

Davis added, “It’s always tough to play on Monday’s going two days without touching a volleyball. I was very proud of how they overcame these challenges and pulled out the win.”

Southampton then lost to Poquoson High School in the second round of playoffs on Wednesday night with scores of 25-14, 25-10 and 25-18. Going in to the game Poquoson had a record of 19-4 and Southampton had a record of 18-3.

“They have an all around good team with an outstanding hitter that was by far the best player we have faced this season. I asked the girls before the game to leave all their efforts on the court, no matter the outcome I didn’t want anyone to have any regrets and I can say without a doubt the girls did that last night,” Davis said.

Davis also said that the she felt the team had a great season and that they were able to accomplish all of their goals.

“I want to commend all of the seniors for being excellent role models to the younger girls and for their dedication to Southampton volleyball the past five years. We have set a high standard and will continue to work hard in the off season to come back even stronger and to continue the success next year,” she added

Conference 41 will announce its all-conference teams this Saturday.