BLOOMINGTON — Columbus North did some productive things early in each set Thursday night to stay close to Bloomington South in the opening round of the Bloomington North Sectional.
But eventually, the size and athleticism of the Panthers took over. Bloomington South, which features six 6-footers and four college commitments on its roster, ended the Bull Dogs’ season with a 25-16, 25-9, 25-11 victory.
The Panthers jumped out to a 12-5 lead in the opening set before North got a sideout and four consecutive points with Carley Finke at the service line to cut it to 12-10. The Bull Dogs were still within 14-12 and 16-13 before Bloomington South pulled away.
In the second set, North was within 7-6 before the Panthers used a 9-0 run to take control and go on to take a two sets-to-none lead.
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The Bull Dogs jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the third set. Bloomington South scored six in a row to take a 7-2 lead. North was within 12-8 when the Panthers ran off a 7-0 run and went on to seal the match.
"We just didn’t come out to play tonight," North coach Caitie Greiner said. "Some girls did. I want to point out Sarah Bennett. She stayed aggressive the whole night. Carley Finke played some great defense for us and served the ball tough. But as a whole, as a team, (Bloomington South) came out ready, and we didn’t."
Bennett pounded six kills, while Finke and Sydney Cooper each recorded 11 digs and one ace. Reagan Kane tallied 14 assists, and Madison White had one solo and one assist block.
Also for the Bull Dogs, Emma Tynan and Madi Roop each notched three kills, and Gabby Genth added two kills. Tynan also had an assist block, and Jalynn Reardon contributed four digs.
Bloomington South (20-11) advances to face Martinsville in the second semifinal at around 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Columbus East will play Bloomington North in the first semifinal at 11 a.m. The sectional final will be at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Columbus North finishes its season 8-17.
"When we played at our best, we played really well," Greiner said. "When we didn’t it showed."
