Norman High Rallies Past Norman North in Four Sets to Win Crosstown Clash
The short version
- Norman High beat Norman North in four sets Tuesday to win the Crosstown Clash.
- The Tigers lost the first set before taking the next three.
- Bella Holasek and Olivia Carter led the way; Peyton Williams and Kelsey Foster closed out the final set.
- Norman High is ranked No. 5 in the 6A coaches rankings.
The fifth-ranked Tigers dropped the opening set before taking control at home to beat their crosstown rival in the annual Clash matchup.
Norman High volleyball defeated Norman North in four sets Tuesday at Norman High's gym to win the annual Crosstown Clash. The Tigers fell behind after losing the opening set but controlled the remainder of the match.
Norman North grabbed the first set after trailing 9-6, scoring 20 of the next 26 points. Norman High answered by taking command in the second set and cruising the rest of the way.
Junior captains Olivia Carter and Bella Holasek led the Tigers, with Holasek sparking the comeback with several kills. Seniors Peyton Williams and Kelsey Foster, both former Norman North players, closed out the final set with the last handful of kills.
Coach Alexis Brendemihl said her team plays its best when it keeps momentum and enjoys the moment, adding that both former Timberwolves were especially motivated for the rivalry. Norman High sits fifth in the latest 6A coaches rankings and reached the state tournament last year.
The Tigers had dropped two of their previous three matches, losing to No. 9 Stillwater in tournament play and to top-ranked Edmond Santa Fe on the road. Brendemihl said the team, dealing with recent injuries and concussions, is working to regain its rhythm ahead of the playoffs with the regular season ending in about two weeks.
