Central York sweeps into state semis
LEESBURG - In a season when close matches didn't happen all that often, Central York never looked flustered when Pennsbury kept pace with the Panthers in a PIAA boys' volleyball Class 3A state quarterfinal Saturday.
Central York just kept hammering away for a 25-19, 25-18, 25-15 victory against the District 1 runner-up at Schuylkill Valley High School.
"To get in a game like this, it's all about the serving and getting as much energy as we can from the kills," Central York senior Grant Cash said.
Locked in a back-and-forth Game 1, Central found itself with a 19-18 lead late. But the Panthers finished with a flurry, scoring six of the final seven points.
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"These games are always high-intensity, so you always have to settle into these kinds of matches," Central senior setter Carter Luckenbaugh said.
Game 2 looked like another nail-biter, but then Central opened up a 16-10 lead before cruising to a 25-18 victory.
"That's what coach Todd was telling us, he was telling us he thought we were playing a little slow," Luckenbaugh said.
By Game 3, Central left no doubt what team was in control.
Central's Cole Johnson had a match-high 20 kills. Braden Richard added 11.
Luckenbaugh had 43 assists, three digs and two aces.
Central advances to a state semifinal, where it will face District 2 champion Emmaus at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Exeter Township High School.
"It's awesome, we've been working at this for four years now," Luckenbaugh said. "It's been our goal ever since we were freshmen. It feels amazing to finally get (to the Final Four), and hopefully we get to the final."
