Ballif is a big hit as Centennial advances in Sunset volleyball

Adam Candee

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002 | 9:42 a.m.

Courtney Ballif knows the set is coming her way when the game is on the line, and she likes it.

The junior southpaw became the go-to hitter in the decisive fifth game Wednesday to lead Centennial to an 8-15, 15-3, 5-15, 15-4, 15-10 victory over Bonanza in the Sunset Region quarterfinals at Chaparral High School.

Centennial (NW-2) used strong hitting in the final game from Ballif and middle blocker Liz Maxey, who planted a quick set to give the Bulldogs a 7-3 edge in the final game. Strong serving kept the Centennial run going out to 13-5, and a late Bonanza (SW-3) comeback was not enough.

Bulldogs coach Jay Howard said his young team fought through the jitters.

"This is basically a new team for us this year," Howard said. "We looked nervous, and they did too."

Centennial lost the first and third games before recovering in the final two.

"We tend to play one really good game, then let up in the next," Ballif said.

Ballif totaled 18 kills and seven digs while Centennial setter Whitney Durkin put up 21 assists. For Bonanza, Cassie Lee had eight kills and Kadee Leavitt tallied 20 assists.

Centennial will take on Southwest top seed Durango in the semifinals tonight at 7. The Blazers ripped through Cheyenne (NW-4), 15-1, 15-2, 15-4 as Kelsey Johnson racked up 17 kills while setter Amy Schlauder dumped eight kills to go along with 25 assists.

In earlier action, Palo Verde, the Northwest's top seed, bowled over Clark (SW-4), 15-3, 15-3, 15-3. Bishop Gorman (SW-2) also made quick work of Cimarron-Memorial (NW-3), 15-7, 15-8, 15-10.

The Panthers and Gaels will meet today at 4 p.m. The Sunrise Region semifinals, pitting Green Valley (SE-1) and Coronado (SE-3), and Las Vegas (NE-1) and Silverado (SE-2), will also be at Chaparral today.