St. Vincent Pallotti High’s volleyball team got its 2010 campaign off to a rousing start, rallying for a five-set victory over Maryvale Prep (11-25, 23-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-11) in an IAAM non-conference game Tuesday in Laurel.
Junior middle hitter Victoria Johnson had 15 kills for the Panthers who trailed 2-0 to the Lions. After winning the third set, Pallotti fell behind 8-0 before rallying to tie at 14, then won 10 of the next 12 points to force a decisive fifth set.
Pallotti gained the upper hand early in the fifth, but Maryvale closed to within 12-11. The Panthers scored the next three points to close out the victory.
Pallotti coach Scott Fifield commended sophomore libero Carissa Hill’s clutch serving and controlling the passing sets. The Panthers return to Sept. 7 with a non-leagu game with Georgetown Day in Laurel.