Like most volleyball teams, if Albemarle is clicking at the service line, it puts a lot of pressure on the opposition to try and slow the Patriots down.
On Saturday, in the Conference 16 semifinals, Emery Hawkins and Katie Schnell provided that pressure, with Hawkins ripping off six aces while Schnell notched four more as Albemarle rolled 3-0 in the Conference 16 opener over Halifax.
Albemarle won 25-9, 25-19 and 27-25 to close out the sweep. A kill from Hawkins and an ace from Victoria Bickley finished off that tight battle of a game three.
Hawkins and Madison Warlick each finished with eight kills as part of a balanced front line effort that also got six kills from Danielle LaRosa and five kills from Gabbi DeGenaro. DeGenarro was also a defensive force at the net with five blocks. Setter Sarah Hanssen had 29 assists while Bridget Pinnata came up with seven digs.
The Patriots will travel to Atlee Tuesday for a 6 p.m. clash in the Conference 16 semis. The winner picks up a Region 5A North tournament berth.
