ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- The Pirates won their 2021 home opener, as Rocky River earned a 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-20) win over Normandy on Tuesday.

The Maroon & White were paced by their back line in winning at home for the 10th time in 12 matches since Oct. 3, 2019. A staunch defense led the way to the team's second straight sweep to start the season.

"Our defense won as the match," said head coach Brittany Morris. "Returning serves and keeping the ball in play on volleys is one thing, but the girls showed an impressive passing ability tonight."

That passing graded out as a 2.2 service reception average for the evening. Sophomore Maggie Pfahl led the way, posting a 2.9 average. Pfahl also had a team-high 13 digs on a night that saw five Pirates record seven or more digs.

Madie Shoaf registered 13 digs against just two errors. Estella Giomini carded nine digs against one miscue while notching 29 assists. Pfahl and Taylor Spies, who logged eight digs, also had multiple assists on the night. Pfahl added a team-high three service aces. She now has 11 aces through six sets.

It all led to River repelling the Invaders in straight sets, two of which were taut tests of resolve and stamina. And an Invader team that defeated the Pirates (3-1) in one of two meetings last season.

Up front, Rocky River (2-0, 2-0 Great Lakes Conference) hit .168 as a team. Samantha Young contributed 15 kills and seven digs. Paige Waite added seven kills and three block assists.

"We have some things to iron out with our connections up front," said Morris.


CANNON FIRE ...

CLUTCH CORSAIRS: Through two matches, Rocky River is now 4-0 in sets decided by six-or-less points. ... The Pirates are now 11-1 across their last 12 matches against Normandy.

HITTER MISS: Senior hitter Paige Waite has 17 kills against just two hitting errors this season, Waite, who swatted her way to a .353 attack percentage last season, is hitting .395 through six sets.


by Skip Snow

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