Splitt, Cary-Grove hold off Marian Central

Ali Splitt's 2013 season was certainly one to forget.

Riddled by an ankle injury, Splitt missed most of her sophomore season.

Now injury-free, Splitt gives Cary-Grove's high-octane offense another solid hitting option.

With 8 kills, 4 blocks and 3 aces, Splitt's efforts propelled the Trojans to a hard-fought 25-19, 24-26, 25-18 win over upset-minded Marian Central in nonconference action in Cary Tuesday night.

"Last year was hard to watch," said Splitt, "The ankle is fine and I feel great. I got some good passes and I was able to get some good hits."

Veteran Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis is glad to have Splitt in the rotation.

"Wow, we really missed Ali last year," said Langanis. "Ali is a solid hitter and is always prepared to player. She can really light it up with a big block or a big hit."

Splitt got plenty of help from her friends.

Setter Erin Olson collected 7 kills with a variety of shots and added 18 assists. Sarah Graham delivered 10 kills and Abi Schebel contributed 7 kills.

Lauren Hanlon paced the Hurricanes with 8 kills and 3 aces. Rachel Giustino and Sydney Nemtuda had 6 kills apiece,

In Game 1, the Trojans (6-2) never trailed in taking a 1-0 lead in the match. With the score tied at 14, the Trojans seized control with a 7-0 run. An ace from Karisa Wilczynski gave the Trojans a 21-14 advantage, Cary-Grove claimed the first game on a kill from Schebel.

The Trojans started fast in Game 2 and looked to be ready to close out the match.

An ace by Bree Coffey gave the Trojans an early 9-3 lead. Cary-Grove's biggest lead was 9, 15-6, on a kill by Olson.

The visiting Hurricanes refused to quit.

Marian Central tied the game at 21 on a kill by Giustino. With the score tied at 24, the Canes tied the match by scoring the final 2 points capped by the game-winning kill from Katherine Adams.

In the decisive Game 3, the Trojans started fast and never looked back.

Two kills each by Olson and Morgan Lee were key as the Trojans scored the first 6 points. Marian Central got to within 3, 10-7, on an ace by McKayla Wuensch but they couldn't get any closer.

A kill by Splitt off a perfect set by Olson gave the Trojans the game and the match.