Louisville, KY. -- The Panthers started out bold and swinging, and Centre couldn't keep up with a serving run from
Devon Marunde that put PC in a perfect 10-3 position. However, Centre is a good team and after figuring out a few things they climbed back into the game 14-16. The Panthers maintained this narrow lead all of the way to a 25-23 game one victory. Game two was the kicker. The Panthers held the lead until 19-19 and then Centre played courageous and pounded the ball into the seams of the Panther defense to take a 21-19 lead. A bold hit from Sophia brought PC back to 21-21, and then it was 23-23 before Centre grabbed it with a couple of hard hits winning a very pivotal game two 26-24. Game three was another back and forth with Prin in the driver's seat at the beginning and CC taking control at 16-16, jockeying with purpose to a 22-18 position of power. The Panthers kept at it and narrowed the lead 21-23 before Centre ended the match with some pounded balls from all over the court 25-23. That was a close game knowing that Prin hit just .103 compared to Centre's powerful .263. Game four was all Centre as the Panthers worked to be bold, but just couldn't convert effort into effective play.
Inside the Box Score
- I'm not really sure how the Panthers played Centre so even, with CC hitting .197 to Prin's .123. The teams did serve evenly and Prin out-blocked Centre, but Centre also picked up 67% of the Panther swings compared to 61% from PC. It was definitely due to Prin's ability to stick together and keep competing.
- Centre had 4 hitters pounding at PC effectively, and Prin only had two hitters really challenging the Centre defense.
They said it
- "Centre was a fine team, a perfect tough competitor to prepare the Panthers for the SLIAC tourney next weekend!"
Up Next
- Principia competes in the SLIAC post season tourney next Saturday at 2pm (location still to be determined)
