Lansdale Catholic wins season opener over Council Rock South in four

NORTHAMPTON >> It definitely made it harder than it needed to be, but the Lansdale Catholic boys volleyball team was able to over come a poor third set to take down Council Rock South in four games Monday afternoon in its season opener.

“It’s a good way to start the season,” LC coach Kathy Arnow said. “We got the rust off and in the end we did what we needed to do.”

The Crusaders impressed in the first two sets showing the ability to first come from behind as they overcame marginal deficits in the first two games and showed the ability to hold on to a lead, finishing off a 24-22 lead in the first game and a 23-20 lead in the second.

“That’s what we work towards, our whole modus operandi is basically team — you got to do it all together,” Arnow said of how her team played through difficult situations.

The third set was LC’s worst of the day, trailing much of the game by as much as 10 points, however, the Crusaders also put together one of its more impressive runs of the day together as well.

Trailing 24-16 in the third set, the Crusaders put together an 8-0 run to scrap their way back into the game. LC just did not have one more point it to close out the dramatic comeback.

“We got down 11-2, which is not the way you want to start a set,” Arnow said. “We got the serve, got a good run and then we held the serve.”

Once again the fourth set turned into a fight as Rock South held the lead for the majority of the game with LC not seizing control until it took the lead at 24-23.

Leading the way for the Crusaders was setter Colin Duffner, middle hitters Tyler Grant and John Van and outside hitter Matt Mussoline. All played a critical role in the win particularly scoring big points when needed.

“They came in and played the ball where they needed to,” Arnow said. “(Duffner) did a great job, he was all over the court. Everybody was contributing and if (Duffner) wasn’t succeeding somebody was backing him up.”

The Crusaders get an opening-day victory to get their season off to the right start.

The team though will need to continue to progress and the solid team work and chemistry that was on display Monday afternoon will have to evolve .

LC has a difficult non-league schedule which includes a meeting with Council Rock North April 27 and of course the always tough Philadelphia Catholic League.