Meagan Schulz Photo

NORWICH – The first two games split as each team was in full control of their set win but Norwich took the driver’s seat in sets three and four, leading them to a match win over visiting Johnson City in the Section IV Class B quaterfinal on Tuesday.

The Lady Tornando dominated the first set as Kalie Binelli controlled the serve for Norwich in 10 straight points, taking a 11-1 advantage early. Binelli drilled the kill for set point, giving the Purple a 1-0 game lead with a 25-10 win.

But the second set was all Wildcats. Johnson City went up 8-4 quickly in the second game. Norwich head coach Shelly Alger took a timeout to regroup her girls but the Wildcats continued to cruise. The Tornado start a comeback when the score was 24-13. However, needing only one point, the Wildcats placed a hard ball over to the Norwich side and they were unable to return it, giving Johnson City the game two win at 25-19.

“Two is over,” said Alger to her girls after the set loss. “Game two is a killer for us. It’s done and over with. Let’s move onto three.”

And her girls did just that as the Tornado volleyed for the first point. Norwich did get behind 4-6 in the set but Jazmin Rodriguez held onto the serve for 10 points, giving the Purple a 14-6 edge in the third. Exchanging only four more points with Johnson City in the game, Norwich went out to win the third 25-10.

Norwich went on a six point run early in game four. The Wildcats answered back with a small run of their own, scoring three consecutive points before Purple Tornado Gabby Eddy tipped the ball over the net, catching Johnson City off guard.

Able to close the gap, JC tied game four at 11-11. But Binelli again smacked home a point, giving the serve and the lead back to Norwich. The Lady Tornado never lost it again, taking the fourth game 25-18, winning the best of five match, 3-1.