2011-11-13 Cox boys vs First Colonial - Virginian Pilot

Region volleyball: Cox boys earn crown
The Virginian-Pilot
© November 13, 2011
By Ray Nimmo

Virginia Beach

Like a newly crowned boxing champion, Cox middle blocker Drew Grehan raises both arms in celebration after scoring a point. Sometimes he'll flex, other times he'll scream.

The goal is to get his teammates riled up, and Saturday the energized Falcons beat a flat-footed First Colonial team at Tallwood High School in a surprisingly swift sweep to win the Eastern Region boys volleyball championship.

Cox (25-1) will play Douglas Freeman in Thursday's state semifinals at the Seigel Center in Richmond, while First Colonial (24-5) faces defending Group AAA champ James River.

Kellam won in three sets, 25-10, 28-26, 25-12, over Ocean Lakes to win the girls title. The victory gives the Knights a home match in the state quarterfinals Tuesday.

A loss to First Colonial their only blemish, the Falcons had revenge on their mind and dominated from the first serve.

Bryce Ernsberger had 21 assists and six kills, Kyle Ferencik had seven kills and Ace Ermlich added four kills and five blocks.

"We kind of wanted to make a statement," Cox coach Jason Zuidema said.

And with the Douglas Freeman and James River coaches in attendance, Cox players had extra incentive to play well.

"I hope they're ready for us," Grehan said, "because we're going to go in strong."

A 6-foot-5 senior, Grehan recorded a team-high eight kills, using his towering frame to fend off Patriots attacks.

"He's a huge motivation," Zuidema said. "When he puts the ball away, everyone gets excited."

Grehan admits his celebrations can tire him out, but he thought he needed to add them to his game.

"Now I just go in really hard and come out screaming because I just smack the ball and want my team to know and get pumped up about it," Grehan said.