Friday, October 10, 2008

By Rich Barton
NJS.com Staff Writer

Ariel Scott, usually a force at the net, did plenty of damage from behind the service line as IHA erased a second game deficit to sweep Holy Angels in an NNJIL battle on Thursday.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP –Immaculate Heart Academy’s volleyball team has been just what its name implies this season: immaculate. Outside of a pair of wins over Hunterdon Central, whom they also beat in the Tournament of Champions final last fall, the Blue Eagles have rarely been tested on the hardwood. Although their fiercest rival was coming to town yesterday in Holy Angels, the Blue Eagles should not have been worried about a showdown if their recent history had anything to do with it. This time would be different as the Angels not only came ready to compete, but ready to push IHA to the limit on its own home court.

After a back-and-forth first game won by IHA, Holy Angels used a big run to seemingly take control of Game 2. A third and deciding game seemed to be all but assured with IHA standout Ariel Scott stuck in the back row and her team facing a nine-point deficit. The measure of a champion though is finding a way to win when not playing up to its capabilities.

IHA closed out the game and the match on a 14-2 run to stay unbeaten and retain their perch as the state’s top-ranked team with a 25-21, 25-22 victory over Holy Angels.

Freshman setter Ryann Powell handed out 15 assists for Holy Angels.

The 1-2 punch at the net of Scott and Petra Parros gave IHA an early lead in the opening stanza. Behind Maryland-bound Remy McBain and standout freshman setter Ryann Powell, the Angels stayed within striking distance. They pulled into a tie at 16 on an ace by Nicolette Hollar, but never got over the hump to take the lead.

Scott responded with three kills, all off sets from Kristen Flatekval, during a 9-5 spurt to give IHA the opening game.

Despite ending up on the losing end of the first game, the Angels carried over plenty of confidence heading into game No. 2. They stifled IHA’s attack and took advantage of offensive opportunities when available. The Blue Eagles struggled in serve and receive all match, especially midway through the second game. After an IHA service error, Holy Angels’ Olivia Kolodka served out seven straight points. McBain had two kills and a block during an 8-0 run as Holy Angels took a commanding 20-11 lead.

“I don’t think we made as many service errors all year combined as we did today,” said IHA co-head coach Maria Nolan. “You can’t do that against a good team and we put ourselves in a big hole. With the lead they had and the way they were playing, I was starting to think about how I was going to get us going again and ready to play a third game. But we got a few good serves from Ariel (Scott) and that got us back on track.”

Petra Parros' play at the net helped IHA get off to an early lead in Game 1.

The 6-3 Scott was serving with pace and keep the ball deep. It slowed the Angels’ attack to a halt and allowed IHA to gain some momentum. They also showed their offensive diversity when they needed it most. Four different players had kills as IHA scored the final nine points of the match to erase a 22-16 deficit and complete the sweep.

“One bad play led to another and we couldn’t stop it at the end,” said Holy Angels head coach Julie Grutta. “I think we played very well today against a very good IHA team. I thought we played well against Ridgewood and Paramus also, but we need to get over the hump and win one of those close matches.”

Flatekval notched 25 assists and had five digs to pace IHA (13-0). Scott had 15 kills, 12 service points, and five digs. All-state libero Stephanie Cruz added nine digs.

McBain led all players with 10 digs to go with eight kills, and three blocks. Powell, the daughter of Northern Valley/Demarest head volleyball coach Beth Powell, chipped in with 15 assists and Hollar with five kills and five digs.

Holy Angels' Remy McBain led all players with 10 digs to go with eight kills, and three blocks.

IHA was also playing this game with heavy hearts. The father of Stephanie Cruz, who also coached several of the IHA players, passed away earlier this week and the team dedicated this win to him and the Cruz family.

The Blue Eagles will be tested once again on Saturday when they participate in the inaugural Garden State Challenge at Ramapo College. It is a 20-team pool play tournament featuring several of the top teams from New Jersey and several other states. It will start at 8:00 a.m. and will conclude in a tournament final match at approximately 6:00 p.m.

“This has been a tough week and I’m glad we found a way to win today,” added Nolan. “Our decision-making was erratic today, but we pulled it together just in time. Now we are really looking forward to the challenge on Saturday. It is going to be tough just to get through pool play with the teams that are in this tournament. I think it’s going to be a great experience for us and great for New Jersey volleyball.”

FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THIS EVENT OR TO BUY A COLLECTOR'S PRINT OF THIS GAME STORY, PLEASE VISIT 4FeetGrafix.com.