Jaclyn Wilton, Stephanie Cornwell, Meagan Murphy lead Kings Park to LI Class A title
Kings Park celebrates the win during the Long Island Class A finals at Suffolk Community College on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Kings Park put on an all-around show Saturday in the Long Island Class A girls volleyball championship against Wantagh at Suffolk CC-Brentwood, winning in straight sets behind offense from Jaclyn Wilton and defense by Meagan Murphy.
After cruising to wins in the first two games, 25-22 and 25-19, Kings Park had to duke it out with Wantagh's big hitters to earn the third game.
Wantagh (21-2) led from 1-0 until Kings Park (17-2) took the lead at 18-17 and eventually the set, 25-18. Wilton, who had several kills during the climb back, gave setter Stephanie Cornwell (34 assists) much of the credit.
"Her sets were beautiful," said Wilton, who had 10 kills and 22 digs. "I could see anywhere on the court with her sets today."
Cornwell, who sets the ball high for Wilton because of the hitter's leaping ability, continually put Wilton in favorable spots.
"Certain hitters like certain balls, and Jaclyn likes a really high ball," coach Ed Manly said. "She was hitting over the blockers most of the time."
Defensively, Wilton, Lauren Kloos (15 digs) and Murphy (24 digs) dived all over the court.
Murphy said that, "sometimes they put their middle outside," which caused the occasional hiccup. But Manly called Murphy a rock for the way she was able to handle back-row duties.
Kings Park needs a repeat performance to have success in Glens Falls next weekend.
"I feel like every year at states, we get a little too excited," Wilton said. "We have experience there. We're not going to be nervous anymore."
