Prep: Hobbled Smith leads GV in key volleyball win

Thursday, May 7, 1998 | 12:01 p.m.

In the player biography section of Green Valley's volleyball program, senior setter Ryan Smith lists his favorite saying as: "By any means necessary."

Wednesday evening, he proved he takes this quote to heart.

After spraining his ankle halfway through the opening game, Smith hobbled back onto the court and led the Gators to a pivotal 15-9, 15-9 victory over visiting Silverado.

The win improved Green Valley's overall record to 14-4, and allowed them to remain in a first-place tie with Basic in the competitive Sunrise Division (both teams are 12-2).

The loss proved costly for Silverado. The Skyhawks plummet to 10-4 (11-5 overall) and into fourth place in the division, a half-game behind Chaparral.

"I just tried to go out there and be a leader," said Smith, who accumulated 24 assists, four kills and innumerable floor burns.

"We knew this was a big game and a game we really needed. I just wanted to show some emotion and get the guys going."

Smith's enthusiasm was contagious. The Gators jumped out to a quick 6-2 lead in the opening game and consistently outhustled the listless Skyhawks throughout the match.

"We were extremely aggressive tonight," said Green Valley coach Caroline Carpenter.

"We were moving really well and did a great job of communicating with each other. But the key to the game was our blocking. I thought we really blocked well tonight."

Green Valley dominated the net, outblocking Silverado 9-4.

Gator Mitch Kallick had four blocks of his own to go along with 12 kills and three aces. Middle hitter Range Larson added six kills for the victors.

The Skyhawks -- losers of two in a row -- were led by Victor McCraney and Sergio Palacios. McCraney had 10 kills; Palacios chipped in 16 assists.

"We need to get back in the groove. Our confidence is really low right now," Silverado coach Pam Sloan said.

"We definitely have some serious soul searching to do in the next couple days."

Silverado's final regular-season games are on the road against Las Vegas and Rancho. Green Valley hosts Las Vegas, then travels to Chaparral to finish the season.