Top-seeded Dogs sweep Goldsboro in semifinals

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 19, 2011 1:50 PM

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PRINCETON -- Princeton played with precision.

The Bulldogs were not about to miss out on a chance to reach the Carolina 1-A Conference volleyball tournament title game.

Princeton turned back Goldsboro in the semifinal round 25-16, 25-11, 25-8 on Tuesday night. The Dogs will play North Duplin tonight at 7 p.m. for the tournament crown.

"Last season we were beaten by Ayden-Grifton and did not make the finals," said Princeton head coach Paige Renfrow. "I know that the girls remember that and I know that they were not about to look past anyone."

Coming off the biggest win in program history on Monday, the Cougars could not muster the same intensity against the Bulldogs. The teams played back-and-forth until Princeton tied the game at 6-6. Consecutive kills by Savannah Massengill propelled Princeton ahead for good as it built a 12-6 lead and went on to win the set.

The second set was no better for the Cougars as Princeton continued to set the ball for Massengill and teammate Nicole Melvin. The pair delivered six kills and three blocks in the Dogs' second set triumph.

"Tonight what we were doing defensively really played into Princeton's hand," said Goldsboro head coach TJ Lancaster. "That is something we have to adjust to in the future, but really it was too late to do much about it during the game."

Princeton rolled to the match victory and recorded scoring runs of eight and seven points at different times in the set.

Massengill finished with 10 kills and one block. Melvin added six kills and two blocks.

"I think we played well and we were focused throughout the match," said Renfrow. "Tomorrow we know that North Duplin is going to present a challenge and it is going to take a top-level effort to beat them."

Kasheika Wallace led Goldsboro with four kills and three blocks. Brandy Johnson added four kills and two blocks.

The Cougars will be the No. 4 seed from the Carolina 1-A Conference in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A state playoffs, which begin Saturday.