Titans end Crest's run

The 16 ties and nine lead changes in a back-and-forth first game had many in Ed Peeler Gymnasium believing the second round volleyball match between Crest and West Forsyth had the potential to go five games.

The visiting Titans took control over the next two games as the Chargers managed just one lead the rest of the way and were swept out of the playoffs on their home court.

Scores: West 25-21, 25-20, 25-19

Records: Crest 18-5; West 14-8

Strong offense: Despite the loss, junior Cheyenne Cash posted 14 kills to lead Crest at the net, while senior Jasmine Thurman added eight kills and two aces. Erin McWhirter dished out 19 assists and was 10-of-10 on serves as fellow senior Lindsey Ellis was nine-of-nine from the back line with one ace.

Tough to stop: As a team, the Chargers managed just three digs and two blocks as the West Forsyth hitting duo of Maggie Seeds and Lindsay Wood consistently kept pressure on Crest at the net. After taking a 12-11 lead in the second game, the fundamentally sound Titans never trailed again.

From the coach: “We’ve got three young players on the back, and that’s a good, hard-hitting team we played,” Crest coach Jamie Wilson said. “We played with them real well in the first game. If we win that one, the momentum could have changed.

“It’s hard to come back when you’re down two games. We haven’t had to do that much this year.”

Next: West takes on the winner of Alexander Central and Weddington in the third round.