Volleyball improves to 2-0 with win over O'Connell

Setter Ashley Cabrera (6) played a strong game in Ireton's WCAC opening win over Bishop O'Connell.

Coach Kathy Guttman’s 2012 edition of Cardinal volleyball has roared out of the starting gate with a pair of impressive wins, on the road at the Maryland School for the Deaf, then a strong 3-1 win over rival Bishop O’Connell in Fr Godley Gym Tuesday night. The JV opened their campaign with straight sets, 2-0, over the Knights as well.

Ireton played O’Connell’s game in the opening match, according the Guttman, but played it well enough to pull out a 25-21 win. In game 2, it was the Cardinals’ style of play that rose to the fore and Ireton won a decisive second game, 25-19. Ireton came back flat, the Knights determined, as they found themselves down a pair of games and a sweep staring them head on. Led by the future Villanova Wildcat, Clare Krickfield, O’Connell rebounded to win game three, but it was the home team’s night to shine as they captured the fourth game to win.

“We had very strong play from Ashley Cabrera setting our hitters.” said Ireton’s Guttman. Emileigh Rettig led the home team with 16 of the 34 kills on the night while Brittany Fisher was a perfect 20 for 20 serving, including 3 aces. Cabrera was also a perfect 19 for 19 and sister Stephanie added 18 of 19 on the night in which Ireton put 81 of 85 serves into play. The redbirds played well on the defensive side as well. Kristen Becht led Ireton with 28 digs, Rettig added 15, Sarah Hersey 14, and the Cabreras, Ashley and Stephanie, 12 and 10.

No rest for the redbirds as they take their 1-0 WCAC record to the always tough Tartans of Holy Cross a key WCAC matchup. This weekend Ireton will get a look at the VISAA competition in the 8-team Fredericksburg Christian tournament on Saturday at FCA. Gametime is 10am for the opening game with Seton of Manassas.