For The Dialog
ALAPOCAS – Third-ranked Padua overcame a slow start Thursday afternoon to sweep host Wilmington Friends, 25-18, 25-18 and 25-19, in nonconference volleyball. It was the Pandas’ fourth consecutive win, improving their record to 10-3.
Padua fell behind the Quakers, 5-1, in the first set, but they fought back for a 12-11 lead, thanks in part to the defense of Vanessa Crumety. Friends rebounded to go up, 16-13, on two kills by Maya Johnson, but Emily Jarome and Stephanie Annone led a ferocious 12-2 run to end the set.
The second set featured some long rallies and stellar defense, with Padua eventually going ahead, 18-15. The Pandas closed out the set on a 7-3 run.
In the third, Padua stormed out to a 19-11 lead, again led by Jarome, who finished with a team-leading 11 kills, and Annone, who had 10. They held on and dealt Friends its second consecutive home loss.
Padua is off until Tuesday, when they travel to St. Mark’s for a 7:30 p.m. start. Friends, now 7-4, gets no rest, hosting Sanford this afternoon at 5:30 p.m.
