ROCK HILL – Two of the three local varsity girls’ volleyball teams got their season started this weekend at the North-South Invitational at the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center.
Both Nation Ford and Catawba Ridge tipped things off as both played multiple matches over the two-day tournament. Both schools started pool play on Friday, Aug. 15. There were 24 teams in the varsity open division where both the Falcons and Copperheads played. All matches were best two of three sets.
In pool play, Nation Ford went 2-1 falling into the silver bracket, while Catawba Ridge went 1-2 and were placed in the bronze bracket.
For the Falcons, they won their first two matches in pool play in straight sets as they were in the same pool as Southwest Guilford, Andrew Jackson, and Oceanside. Nation Ford opened with Andrew Jackson winning 25-6, 25-8. The Falcons had a closer match against Southwest Guilford, but still won in straight sets, 25-15, 25-15.
Once out of pool play, the Falcons matched up with Woodmont winning in straight sets in the silver bracket 25-22, 25-16. That advanced them to face Ardrey Kell where they won 25-20, 25-18 advancing to the silver bracket finals. In the bracket finals, Nation Ford fell to New Life Camp 25-23, 25-17 and finished the tournament at 4-2 overall.
The Copperheads had Woodmont, South Aiken, and Cardinal Newman in its pool. Catawba Ridge lost in straight sets to both Cardinal Newman 25-19, 25-22 and Woodmont 25-15, 28-26. The Copperheads beat South Aiken 25-17 and 25-19 to advance out of pool play to the bronze bracket.
Once out of pool play, Catawba Ridge drew May River falling 26-22 and 25-18 and then beat Blythewood 25-21, 25-13 to close out the tournament. The Copperheads went 2-3 over the two days.
Catawba Ridge is scheduled to return to action next Friday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 23 in a tournament at North Myrtle Beach, while Nation Ford opens its home schedule Tuesday, Aug. 26 against River Bluff.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
