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VOLLEYBALL: Carroll Edges Wood In Three Sets To Sustain Perfect PCL Record

By Angelise Stuhl , 09/28/17, 8:45PM EDT

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RADNOR, PA – Archbishop Carroll and Archbishop Wood, two of the perennial Catholic League volleyball powerhouses, met Tuesday evening in an intense PCL battle. 

Upon entering the game, Wood had a 4-0 PCL record and Carroll also garnished an unblemished 3-0 league record.

After three hard-hitting sets, the Patriots emerged as victors: 25-15, 25-18, 25-18. 

Highlight Video: Carroll vs. Wood

“We were a little worried coming in because they were undefeated and we were undefeated but we lost both of our setters last Saturday. So essentially we were playing without either one of our starting setters. Very good kudos to Michele Wince. She’s never set before this year, so to play a good match like that against a good team and to come out and pretty much play flawless is pretty awesome,” said Patriots head coach Brian McCann.

Last Saturday, the Patriots played a non-league game against Bishop Shanahan. During the contest, Carroll lost two senior starters to injuries.

“Our setter that is out is probably the best player in the league, getting her back is going to make a big difference,” said McCann, who is in his fourth year at the helm of the Patriot’s volleyball program. “We almost took out Shanahan on Saturday and they are No. 1 in the state. So right now we are ranked No. 4 in the state.”

As for their 4-0 PCL start, McCann gave specific kudos to his senior leaders. 

“This is my fourth year in the program so everybody knows what the system is and they are executing very well. These two senior captains (Gina Custer & Morgan Silks) and their leadership have a lot to do with our success,” said McCann.

Gina Custer talks about what attributed to Carroll's victory

Michele Wince talks about the role she played vs. Wood

Morgan Silks talks about her team goals and improvements

For the Lady Vikings, they yield seven seniors to their varsity squad this year.   The team is seasoned and ready to take on their next opponent in one of the toughest PCL volleyball seasons to date.

“All of our seniors have been playing four plus years together and they know each other very well,” said Archbishop Wood head coach Maureen Thorpe.

“Last year they were at different skill levels but now they are all coming together and we are looking forward to the rest of the PCL season.”

Thorpe lauds her team’s character on and off court.

“They are just amazing players and they always come back positive even when they come off the court. They are so joyful, kind and courteous and at that same time they are just wonderful athletes,” said Thorpe.

Wood senior libero Megan Noonan discusses her team's mindset against Carroll

Wood senior outside hitter Shauna Matthews reflects on the mentality of the game

Wood senior right & outside hitter Laura Prajzner discusses team improvements