Eagles win LIS title

Collegiate’s volleyball team has earned the respect of its opponents. Last year’s LIS champions from Richmond possess several agile playmakers that overpower their opponents with skillful placement and forceful kills.

On Friday, it was Collegiate that learned they must respect the new champions, the Covenant Eagles.

Behind a dominant game by senior Ellen Smethurst, the Eagles trounced the visiting Cougars 3-1 (25-20, 26-28, 25-18, 25-19) to win the LIS championship.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match up coming in. Our strength is that we play together. We have a never-say-die attitude,” said Covenant coach Annette Williams.

Both teams took sizeable leads at points in the match, only to let the opponent creep closer. In the end, Covenant managed to contain Collegiate and hoist the trophy.

Game 1 saw Covenant go up 4-0. After that, the teams exchanged scoring runs until Covenant went up 21-15 and sealed the game from there.

After taking the early advantage, it appeared that Covenant was going to make quick work of the visitors.

Collegiate (14-12) struck back in game 2, leveling the match score. Covenant went up 10-8 before the Cougars stormed back, taking a 20-14 advantage.

Covenant regained their early form and had game point on several rallies but could not close the door.

Collegiate was able to convert and win the game, but that was the last positive thing that happened the rest of the way.

“We let our guard down and let them back in,” said Williams.

After losing their composure during game 2, Covenant played intelligently, working as a team to win the final two games.

Smethurst finished with 14 blocks, 32 kills and an ace on the night. Her younger sister, Emily, finished with 36 assists, one block, three kills and two digs. Both players were named first-team all-LIS.

On Tuesday, Covenant (20-6, 7-0 LIS) will host a quarterfinal game in the state tournament at 5:30 p.m.

Friday’s win surely did wonders for the home team.

“It gives us a lot of confidence. It was a really good step,” said Ellen Smethurst of the victory.

Friday’s win marked Williams’ first LIS championship as coach of Covenant and the school’s third. The LIS trophy isn’t all Williams is looking for after earning the No. 2 seed in the state.

“We’ re just going to take it one game at a time. Our goal is to be state champions. I think we can do it. It’s just going to take us pulling together.”

If Ellen Smethurst continues her outstanding performances and the Eagles work together and stay mentally strong, they may be hoisting another trophy in the coming weeks.