Henderson Clinches Playoff Berth With Comeback Victory Over Chapel Hill

HENDERSON — The Henderson Lady Lions left everything on the court as they battled past the Chapel Hill Lady Bulldogs in five games, 12-25, 24-26, 25-22, 25-23, 15-9, before a Senior Night crowd Tuesday night at Lion Gymnasium.

Taylor White hammered down 11 kills and Karley Free added four kills and one block for the Lady Lions, who clinched a playoff berth win a victory.

Chapel Hill came out swinging in Game 1. Solid serving performances by Alexus Mayfield and Danielle Ford, which included two aces a piece, easily propelled the Lady Bulldogs past the Lady Lions to claim the victory.

In Game 2, Henderson was its own worst enemy, missing four crucial serves which Chapel Hill capitalized on late in the game. The Lady Lions and Lady Bulldogs were tied, 24-24, before back-to-back kills by Shay Ross allowed Chapel Hill to take a 2-0 advantage in the match.

Henderson was down but not out. In the latter part of Game 3, the Lady Bulldogs attempted to battle back from a five-point deficit, but White found the holes in the Chapel Hill defense to give the game to Henderson.

In Game 4, libero Brooke Towe was more than a defensive specialist. Towe’s five straight points from the service line shifted the momentum towards the Lady Lions. A block by Free sealed the game for Henderson, forcing a fifth game.

Game 5 was a fight for both teams. Tied at 6-6, Henderson used the Chapel Hill side-outs to its advantage and got Towe to the serving line. Another stellar serving performance by Towe secured the game and the match for the Lady Lions.

“The first game, with it being Senior Night and the emotions, we came out a little flat,” Henderson coach Leann Dorsey said. “After we lost Game 2, I reminded them that we had to pull this game out or we wouldn’t be in the playoffs. We’d be sitting at the house. We play Bullard Friday and they beat us earlier in the year so I think our girls have a little revenge in them so I think that’s what the game will be about.”

Samone Barnes added four kills and Codie Whitehead chipped in with three kills for the Lady Lions.

Ross knocked down 10 kills to go with her seven blocks and two digs. D’Errica Campbell contributed with four kills and four digs for the Lady Bulldogs.