Prep roundup: Peniel outlasts Calvary Christian for first victory

Baileigh Riddley (Daily News photo)

Tuesday night turned into a strong night for county volleyball teams.

The team that thrived the most was the one that won its first match of the season.

Peniel Baptist Academy, on the road the entire season without a home match, outlasted Ormond Beach Calvary Christian, 25-18, 19-25, 25-15, 24-26, 15-6, for its first victory after an 0-4 start.

“We served very well,” Warriors coach Jeff Hutchins said after his team recorded 26 aces, a best in his four years as head coach. “We had some runs where we played well. What helped was I changed up to have two centers instead of one with Traelyn Baker and Teagan Speaks, who is normally our right-side player. They did very well in the position.”

For the Warriors, Speaks had 15 service points, five being aces, along with six kills and nine assists, while Annie Brantley added 14 points, six for aces, and three kills, and Darby Speaks delivered 11 points, eight for aces, and 10 kills.

“The girls were excited to finally get that (first) win,” Hutchins said. “To win is a good feeling and maybe that carries over a little momentum into the next match against Ocala Christian on Thursday.”

Carah Croft recorded five kills, three blocks and two service aces, while Jenna Eubanks had three kills and seven aces and Taylor Buckles put up four kills. Sydni Spencer recorded 15 assists and four digs, Anslee Wells put up three assists and 20 digs and Jordyn Teuton added three assists and four digs.

Interlachen’s Rams (2-4) were led by Camryn Link’s nine kills, two blocks and 17 digs, while Ruby McCall added eight kills, three blocks and five service points. Also, Harmonie Strauser handed out 26 assists, four kills and six points, one for an ace, while Baileigh Riddley scrapped for 18 digs and 11 points, five for aces, and Ivey Kalfs added 15 points, four for aces, and 12 digs.

For the 1-1 Panthers, Aubrei Reed had the top card with a 56.

The lone individual winners for Palatka were Shelby Malandrucco in the 200-yard individual medley (2:17.85) and 100-yard backstroke (1:02.54), while Kylie Plymel captured the 100-yard breaststroke (1:28.45) on the girls side, and Jaxon Gill was a double winner for the boys team in the 50-yard freestyle (23.22) and the 100-yard backstroke (1:00.29).

Also, the 400-yard freestyle relay team of D.J. Rouse, Wyatt Tillis, Braxton Malloy and Gill prevailed in 4:31.00.

The boys team is 1-4, while the girls team is 0-5.