PUNTA GORDA — When the Charlotte volleyball team needed a big play to be made, it relied not on its star outside hitter, but rather the one who plays next to her.
Senior middle hitter Payton Stanton had a huge night, making plays when the Tarpons needed them most as they held off arch-rival Port Charlotte 3-1 (25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20) on Thursday at the Wally Keller Gymnasium.
Both teams are now 5-2 on the season.
Stanton led the Tarpons with 15 kills while Abbie Willis also had a good night with 13 and Ava Hall 12 to counter another huge night by Port Charlotte’s Nygeria Hall, who registered her third 20-20 night of the season.
Charlotte coach Michelle Dill said Stanton turned things up, especially in the second set when the Tarpons trailed by as much as eight before rallying.
“She was able to find the open spot on defense while we were able to dig up balls against Nygeria,” Dill said. “I’m very proud of how we played tonight against a good team.”
Charlotte broke open a close first set to take the early lead. Port Charlotte countered by taking a 13-5 lead in the second set. The Tarpons stormed back with Keira Vasquez and Sammy Vega serving up long rallies and Stanton making several key kills as the Tarpons had a 20-6 run to end the set and go up 2-0.