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McCormick leads Redeemer on her 17th birthday

WILKES-BARRE—There was no birthday celebration for Holy Redeemer’s Maura McCormick when she arrived at the gym for Wednesday’s volleyball match against Lake-Lehman.
No big deal.
The 17-year-old senior had a party of her own by turning in one of the best performances of her career with her excellent service play. McCormick finished with 14 service points, one ace and seven kills as the unbeaten Royals cruised to a 3-0 win against Lake-Lehman.
The scores were 25-1, 25-12, 25-11. Senior middle hitter Monica Wignot added 29 kills, three blocks and eight digs as the Royals (8-0) extended their winning streak to 44 in Wyoming Valley Conference play.
McCormick, who is considered of the best defensive players in the WVC, was on top of her service play. She notched four consecutive service points in game two that kept the overmatched Black Knights on the ropes.
“When I go back 30 feet behind the net, I try to stay focused,” McCormick said. “I try to serve the ball to the weakest defender. I usually get warmed up after the first game and then I get into a rhythm.”
That was definitely the case against the Black Knights.
“Those four straight service points raised my confidence,” she added. “I think we’re getting better because we’re getting our chemistry together.”
Despite celebrating her birthday, McCormick didn’t really expect a party. She figures that will happen today.
“I’m sure the team will throw balls at me all day during practice,” she said.
Wignot, a 6-foot-2 senior middle hitter, dominated the match on the both sides of the net, including a mix of rocket slams and perfectly-timed tips on offense.
Holy Redeemer appeared to break Lake-Lehman’s spirit by rolling up a 25-1 win in the first game. The Black Knights lone point came on a missed serve.
“In the first game, (Lehman) didn’t know what to do,” said Wignot said. “They didn’t have any tips or anything. We kept everything they hit off the floor.”
It was business as usual for the Royals.
“We just try to take advantage of (opponents) weaknesses,” said Wignot, who showed no adverse affects from a severe cold that forced her to miss practice Tuesday. “We treat a game like this one as a practice.”
Lake-Lehman had one shining moment – an impressive block by sophomore middle hitter Tiffany Oplinger against Wignot.
“It was one of those moments when everything came together,” said the 5-10 Oplinger. “I was able to time my jump perfectly and reject the shot. She’s a really aggressive hitter.”
Black Knights standout Caitlyn Gashi said Redeemer is the real deal.
“They’re very smart. They just knew where we were going to hit the ball and they killed us on defense We played our hearts out, but it wasn’t enough.”
The Black Knights were not dismayed by the loss, Gashi added.
“We’re still having a great season. We’re in good shape to make the playoffs.”