DUDLEY — The rivalry between the Southern Wayne Lady Saints and the Spring Creek Lady Gators delivered another competitive chapter Tuesday night, as both county rivals took the court looking to make an early statement.
With emotions high and both teams determined to leave everything on the floor, Spring Creek ultimately emerged victorious, sweeping Southern Wayne, 3-0, while giving first-year head coach Cassidy Davis her first career win as a head coach.
Both teams entered the matchup prepared for a battle. Southern Wayne Head Coach Morgan worked with the Lady Saints to prepare for Spring Creek’s attack, while Coach Davis and the Lady Gators entered the contest focused on executing their game plan.
Gators Strike First
Spring Creek wasted little time establishing momentum in the opening set.
Lady Gators No. 20 Alaina Pratt opened the match at the service line and helped Spring Creek jump out to an early 2-0 advantage. Spring Creek’s defense continued to keep the Saints off balance, including a key save from No. 8 Hayden Blanchard that helped keep the Gators’ momentum alive.
Southern Wayne answered with a strong play from No. 15 Jurnae Ammons to put the Saints on the scoreboard, but Spring Creek quickly responded. No. 20 Alaina Pratt came through with another important save, while No. 15 Jurnae Ammons added a point from the service line.
With the Gators building an 8-1 advantage, Southern Wayne called a timeout in an effort to regroup.
The Saints returned from the break with renewed energy, as No. 1 Amberly Morgan helped Southern Wayne put together a two-point run. Spring Creek, however, continued to answer, with No. 8 Hayden Blanchard contributing to the Gators’ growing lead.
Southern Wayne continued to battle, with No. 4 Emma Kornegay helping the Saints cut into the deficit. Despite the Saints’ efforts to mount a comeback, Spring Creek maintained control and closed out the opening set, 25-10.
Saints Battle Back, Gators Answer
Southern Wayne came out with a stronger start in the second set.
No. 5 Addison McPhail helped the Saints score the first two points, giving Southern Wayne an early spark. Spring Creek responded by finding its rhythm and eventually moving back in front.
The Saints’ defense came through with a big save to even the score, but the Gators regained the advantage behind a point from No. 8 Hayden Blanchard. Spring Creek then extended its lead to two points with No. 1 Sophia Thompson at the service line.
Southern Wayne showed its ability to capitalize on defensive and situational plays, picking up two points when Spring Creek sent the ball out of bounds.
The Gators continued to hold the advantage, leading 14-9 before Southern Wayne called another timeout.
Following the timeout, the Saints began to find momentum, but Spring Creek continued to respond each time Southern Wayne attempted to close the gap. No. 15 Jurnae Ammons delivered a key save and score for the Saints, keeping the set competitive.
Spring Creek eventually pushed its advantage to 21-13.
Southern Wayne refused to go quietly. No. 5 Addison McPhail added a point on a save, while No. 12 Cameron Allen contributed from the service line as the Saints attempted to extend the set.
Spring Creek, however, closed the door on the comeback. No. 7 Maci Loving made a key save to help the Gators finish the set, 25-18, and take a 2-0 match lead.
Spring Creek Closes the Door
With the match on the line, Spring Creek once again grabbed the early advantage in the third set.
No. 20 Alaina Pratt put the Gators on the board first, but Southern Wayne answered with defensive plays from No. 5 Addison McPhail to keep pace. Spring Creek responded with an effort from No. 9 Jessie McCullen, while Southern Wayne continued to fight back behind No. 4 Emma Kornegay.
The Saints’ defensive pressure remained a factor, with No. 10 Paighton Tyndall making a key save to help Southern Wayne add points. The two teams battled to a 9-9 tie, forcing Spring Creek to call a timeout.
After the break, the teams continued trading points as the intensity of the rivalry remained evident. Spring Creek eventually created separation and moved ahead 18-10.
The Gators continued applying pressure with No. 11 Haylee Ignot Hernandez contributing from the service line. Southern Wayne answered with strong defensive pressure of its own, but Spring Creek was able to maintain its advantage.
No. 5 Keity Torres Ponce added two points from the service line as the Gators moved toward the finish.
Spring Creek ultimately closed out the third set, 25-14, completing the sweep.
All on The Line
The 3-0 victory gave Spring Creek the match win and marked an important milestone for Davis, who earned her first career victory as a head coach.
For Southern Wayne, the Saints showed stretches of resilience throughout the match, particularly in the second and third sets, but were unable to overcome Spring Creek’s early advantages.
The rivalry may have gone the Gators’ way on this night, but both teams showed the competitive spirit that makes matchups between Southern Wayne and Spring Creek ones to watch.
A Historic First Win for Coach Cassidy Davis
Following the Gators’ historic victory, I had the opportunity to speak with first-year Head Coach Cassidy Davis about earning her first win at the helm and what the victory means for Spring Creek as the season gets underway.
Davis admitted that there were some nerves heading into her first game, especially with the Gators facing a highly competitive county rivalry in the season opener. “This first win feels amazing. At first, I was nervous for the girls because this was our first game, and it was in such a competitive rivalry matchup. But the girls really worked hard for this win.”
Before the opening serve, Davis encouraged her players to embrace the moment and trust the work they had put in. “I told the girls, just go out and enjoy the game. Play hard, play smart and play confident. It’s our first one, and we have a lot more games to go, so just love and enjoy this moment.”
For Davis, the victory was more than simply a win in the standings. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Gators and a memorable first victory in her head-coaching career.
Davis also expressed her appreciation to the fans who came out to support the team in the rivalry matchup, hoping that same energy carries into the Gators’ first home game of the season.
With the first win now in the books, Coach Davis and the Gators will look to build on the momentum as they continue their season.
Final Set Scores:
Spring Creek 25, Southern Wayne 10
Spring Creek 25, Southern Wayne 18
Spring Creek 25, Southern Wayne 14