District 2-5A tourney: Mosley advances to play Leon

SPRINGFIELD - Mosley has nothing to lose and everything to gain Tuesday, Coach Steve Canfield said.

His Dolphins ousted Rutherford 25-13, 11-25, 25-14, 25-15 in the District 2-5A volleyball tournament play-in match at the Ernest Spiva Ram House on Monday. The victory advanced the fourth-seeded Dolphins (20-5) to Tuesday's semifinal against top-seeded Tallahassee Leon. The winner secures a regional tournament berth.

Beating Leon is easier said than done, especially given the fact the Lions haven't lost a district match all season. Mosley is the heavy underdog, much like Rutherford, which finished its season 13-12.

"The pressure's on Leon; they're the top seed," Canfield said. "We had a goal to win 20 ballgames and we did that. We've had a great season so far."

Canfield said Mosley's problem with Leon has been serve receiving. He said the Dolphins have been able to stick with Leon, which finished as state runner-up last season, but have been susceptible to long scoring runs.

That was evident in Game 2 on Monday, as the Rams tied the match one set apiece behind stellar serving and several unforced Mosley errors. Canfield said a lack of focus pervaded throughout the second game. He noted Mosley refocused in the final two games.

It was clear on that front after the Dolphins broke free in Game 3 leading only 12-10. They also started Game 4 with six straight points by Megan Williams before Rutherford was able to break serve. The Rams were able to pull within four points, but the power game of Deanna Canfield and Kelsey Bell came through and paced the Dolphins to the victory.

Both had 15 kills, a career-high for Bell. She also had 16 digs, while Canfield chipped in 11 digs, seven aces and four blocks.

"Rutherford played with a lot of heart, you have to give them credit for pushing us," Canfield said. "They dig the ball like maniacs because they don't have a lot of size. They did a good job."

Christin Beck led Rutherford with 15 assists, five digs, five service points and two kills. Jennifer Baumgartner added 15 digs, eight points, three kills and one block and Amy Ehrichs had five points and four digs for the Rams.

Mosley had a season-high 45 kills. Canfield said more of the same will be needed Tuesday, when the favored Lions travel to Springfield for the 5:30 p.m. match.

"We hit the ball really well," Canfield said. "I thought we played real well in three games against Rutherford. (Tuesday) should be fun."

Lincoln and Chiles will play in the other semifinal in Tallahassee Tuesday. The championship will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday in Springfield should Mosley pull off an upset. If not, the championship will be played at Leon, the highest remaining seed among the Tallahassee schools.