PN-G slips by Ozen in 22-4A volleyball

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http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18759387&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=583964&rfi=6

PN-G slips by Ozen in 22-4A volleyball

But the Port Neches-Groves volleyball coach admits she didn't see it coming.

After four highly contested games, the Rock-A-Noos were able to win Game 5 with ease. The Rock-A-Noos beat Ozen 15-6 to walk away with a 3-2 victory in their District 22-4A opener at the Panthers' gym.

"I thought it was going to be a fight to the end," Comeaux said. "But we had a few good serves and we played well the final game. I just think Ozen broke under pressure. But I give the kids credit because they fought to the end. They came back after Ozen won two games and never let up."

After PN-G won the first game 25-23, Ozen beat the Rock-A-Noos 25-18, 25-19. The Rock-A-Noos won the final two games 25-19, 15-6.

"I thought it was a great game," said Ozen coach Shy Randle, whose team finished in sixth place in district last season. "But the team that usually maintains the momentum wins the game. PN-G kept the momentum going, and our kids let up."

The Rock-A-Noos jumped out to a 5-0 run before the Panthers scored in Game 5. But the point didn't seem to throw off the team's momentum. PN-G scored the next five points before Ozen would score its second point of the game.

Miscommunication on the floor, along with some hitting errors, led to the Panthers demise in Game 5.

"Ozen is a very good, athletic team," said Comeaux, whose team finished second in district last year. "Ozen has come a long way from last season. I think they have improved enough to be a contender for a playoff spot this season."

Ozen's Jasmine Wells had 11 kills, 24 assists and four blocks. Sheena Wyngate had 10 kills, six digs and two blocks. Tiara Robinson had 10 kills and eight blocks. Somalia Randle had six kills, five aces and 30 assists.

Kayla Prasnicki was the kill leader for the Rock-A-Noos with 16. Teammate Sami Jo Williams had 16 service points, and Kourtney Benoit had five blocks. Brandi Guidry had 39 assists. Chelsea Horn had 14 kills and 11 digs.

"I thought everyone did a good job tonight," Comeaux said. "Mallory Livingston did a great job defensively, and Stephanie Bowman did a great job offensively. Stephanie played aggressively at the net in the final two games."