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By Joe Kvartunas
Paul VI student

Bishop O’Connell defeated Paul VI Wednesday night 3-2. The Knights victory caused a split in the season series between the two rivals with each team winning on the road. O’Connell lost 3-1 in the teams’ first meeting this season.

The Knights (10-7) got out to a huge early lead in the fifth and final game on Wednesday. But just when it seemed to be over, the Panthers came roaring back with a six-point run. But the Knights were able to regain their composure and win the game and the match 15- 11.

“I think my girls were really fired up today,” O’Connell Coach Mike Barnett said. “They wanted it bad to make up for not getting it done the first time. I have a very young team and they needed more experience. They are really gaining that throughout the year.”

Paul VI won the first game, 25- 19. The game was close the entire way through, with PVI coming out on top with a 7-3 run to end the game.

But the Knights fought back and won the second game 25- 17, the largest margin of victory of the night.

This was, however, not an easy task. Paul VI’s student cheering section the “6th Man” was out in full force in support of they’re team. But try as they might, the tenacious 6th Man of PVI could not disrupt the concentration of the O’Connell knights players as the Knights went on to win the next game as well 25- 20.

“We have a lot of school spirit here.” Panthers Coach Sam Farrar said. “Early in the season we challenged the kids and asked them to come out one time. I told them if they don’t like it to go home but they saw the level of talent that these girls have and now they really support us. We really do have a great tradition here.”

Down two games to one, the Panthers needed a win to push it two a fifth game, and they delivered a 25- 17 win. But when it came down to the fifth game, O’Connell was able to pull out the win in the Panthers’ frantic gym.

Farrar was still very pleased with his team.

“I couldn’t be happier with the team’s effort,” Farrar said. “We have a great future and our kids work really hard every single day. Our kids aren’t afraid of anyone. They respect their opponents, but they don’t back down.”