For The Dialog
WILMINGTON – Addison Reich led St. Mark’s, as the Spartans used their height advantage and some extended runs to sweep Red Lion, 25-26, 25-15 and 25-15, in the first round of the DIAA state volleyball tournament on Thursday night.
The Lions had an 11-10 lead in the first set before a kill by Reich, a senior, sparked a 12-1 run that put the set out of reach. Sophomore Erin Derick was also big in this set, which ended on an ace by Sara Desmond.
Desmond opened the second set with another ace, and Reich and Derick were big again. St. Mark’s had a pair of six-point streaks before a late surge by Red Lion closed the gap a bit. Senior Kara Wirt finished the second with a soft tap.
The third set saw the Spartans jump out early and build a 13-3 advantage. The Lions fought hard but could not get closer than nine, and Derick ended the match with a kill that was deflected out of bounds.
The Spartans got 12 kills each from Reich and Derick, and seven each from Wirt and sophomore Genevieve Hughes. Freshman Grace Sawyer had 17 digs. The Spartans (9-7) advance to meet seventh-seeded Smyrna (14-2) Saturday at Brandywine High School following Padua’s match against Tatnall, which begins at 6 p.m.
