On a night of celebration for the grand opening of Park Hill High School’s new gym, dubbed the Trojan Coliseum, it was Park Hill South who came out with the rivalry victory in the pink-out matchup.
The Panthers, who fell to Park Hill to open their own gym on Sept. 11, returned the favor to spoil the Trojans’ new gym opener. South successfully finished the victory in straight sets, something they were unable to finish off in their previous meeting.
It was evident early on that Park Hill South meant business. They took a quick 4-0 lead in the opening set, but Park Hill climbed back into the set to tie it up at 16-16 before the Panthers went on a 9-4 run to clinch the set 25-20.
The next two sets were easily handled by the Panthers, starting with a quick 7-1 lead in the second set. Cruising through the set, the Panthers led 24-14 when a diving play by sophomore Evree Gibbs kept the rally alive for libero Jillian Schuller, who used the instep of he right foot to kick the ball over the net. The ball caught the Trojans off guard, landing just inside the deep back corner of the court before the Panthers closed out the second set 25-14.
Park Hill’s first lead of the night came in the third set, when they jumped in front 3-1. The lead was short-lived as Park Hill South quickly went on an 11-2 run before cruising to a 25-14 set win to take the match in three sets.
It was the perfect way to end the night for the Panthers, who were relentless against Park Hill all night not to let a repeat happen from their previous meeting, when they went up 2-0 before losing in five sets.
Park Hill South sophomore Ellie Gibbs sets up a teammate in the Panthers’ rivalry win against Park Hill.
Panther senior Sydni Lafasciano was pivotal in leading the Panthers. She led South with nine kills, six aces and 13 points, while Gibbs had 20 assists with just one error.
Park Hill South’s winning streak extended to five games, winning each of their last 15 sets played. After a pair of conference matchups, the Panthers will compete in the Ozark Grand Slam on Oct. 10-11.
South’s overall record improved to 16-5 with a 5-1 record in conference play. Park Hill’s defeat was their first in conference play, dropping to 9-3 overall and 5-1 in conference.
The Trojans and Panthers, who are currently tied for first in the conference, each have four conference matchups remaining before the district tournament begins on Oct. 21.