Written by Christian Bateman
Elizabeth City — The two teams from the same town met Thursday night in a Northeastern Coastal Conference matchup that turned into a long-awaited comeback win for the Northeastern Eagles volleyball program.
Northeastern defeated Pasquotank 25-18, 25-22, 15-11 to gain the upper hand in the battle for the keys to the city. The Panthers (8-8, 1-4) were just four points away from making school history against Northeastern, but the Eagles (4-6, 2-3) capitalized on Pasquotank’s mistakes and finally put the Panthers on their heels late in the deciding set.
“They felt the pressure because they were out numbered. I definitely think they were pressured and felt it,” Northeastern’s Lilley Jackson said about the Eagles putting the Panthers away late.
Mia Jones opened the first set with four consecutive serves that provided a spark for Northeastern, but Pasquotank battled back with a 4-1 run, powered by back-to-back aces from Maranda Martin.
The closest the score would get in the first set was 19-17. Northeastern’s consistency at the net became the difference, with Gabby Rivers using her height and precision to exploit Pasquotank’s receiving defense.
The Eagles closed the first set on a 7-0 run to take it 25-18.
Errors plagued Northeastern to begin the second set, but the Eagles’ quick-setting tempo and technique repeatedly moved Pasquotank out of position, eventually tying the game at 11.
Mia Jones then received a bump, spotted an open gap on the other side of the court and showcased her accuracy, helping Northeastern stay in control as the set tightened at 16.
Just as Pasquotank appeared to be finding its rhythm, Lilley Jackson rose above the net and delivered a powerful spike to swing the momentum back toward the Eagles. Northeastern closed out the second set 25-22.
In the fifth set, Pasquotank jumped out to a 5-1 lead, highlighted by a pair of aces from Ka’Leigha Person. Northeastern, however, had a plan to overcome the early deficit and finish the match.
A series of blocks from Lily Mullins at the net continued to force the Panthers out of rhythm. Mullins repeatedly made an impact at the net as Northeastern fought back and eventually took the final set, 15-11.
Jackson said the consistent serving of Mia Jones and Lily Mullins was pivotal in the victory.
“They are definitely strong servers. Their serves alone are powerful. They do a lot for our team with their serves alone.”
Northeastern will look to defeat another Elizabeth City opponent when it faces NEAAT on Monday night.
Meanwhile, Pasquotank will look to earn its ninth win of the season and move one step closer to setting the winningest season in school volleyball history when the Panthers host Hertford County on Tuesday night.