Lancers fall to Govs

By Laura Clark

Published: September 3, 2008

Amherst may have lost its match 3-1 to Nelson, but coach Dennis Gilbar said the close games bodes well for the Lancers. Nelson, a Group A school, plays at a caliber comparable to the Seminole District, he said.

“I think undoubtedly they were quicker to the ball. They play defense very, very well. I think they just hit the ball well,” Gilbar said.

The Lancers recovered well and had a lot of blocks, he added. Amherst won the first game 27-25. This game started off shaky as both teams made several unforced errors. On each side of the floor, the teams played better, setting up hits and minimizing errors, when they picked up the pace of play.

Amherst took a 26-25 lead when Gov outside hitter Erika Toliver missed her timing on a spike. Then Lancer Courtney Madison gave Nelson a serve they couldn’t return to win the game.

Nelson dominated the beginning of game two, putting up seven points before Lancer middle blocker Renesha Chiles scored. Nelson made some errors and the Lancer hitting turned on, but Amherst trailed the whole game and finally lost 25-20.

Game three was the closer, with six ties throughout. Amherst led for most of the game, with Madison and Lauren Taylor stepping up blocking and hitting beside Chiles. After a tie at 20, Amherst struggled on defense and the Govs put them away 25-20.

Amherst looked strong again in game four, but was left playing catch-up after a tie at 12. Toliver served up an ace to beat Amherst 25-20.

Every Lancer saw playing time in the first match of the season. Chiles, along with freshman sister Nia, and Madison began to establish themselves as core players. Sophomore setter Taylor Garrison helped Amherst run some offenses, picking up 28 assists.

“I think for as young as she is and coming into this system with big hitters, she’s doing really well,” Gilbar said. “She is communicating better and better each game.”

He said he’d like her to have the freedom to make the calls. Gilbar rotated many players in to serve or play on the back row only. It will take a few matches to find the best combination of six to eight players on the floor, he said.

Chiles and Madison led Amherst with eight kills apiece. Chiles also had nine blocks and two aces. Amherst hosts E.C. Glass next on Sept. 4 at 7:30.