PHOTOS: DP volleyball tops Olympia 3-1 in rivalry match -- Observer Preps

DR. PHILLIPS The Dr. Phillips Panthers shook off a rough second set and scored a resounding 3-1 victory (25-16, 21-25, 25-15, 25-13) Thursday night against visiting rival Olympia.

"The gameplan was trying to control that first contact — serve and pass," head coach Danny Eleutiza said. "We were very good in the first game and the beginning of the second game. When the score got 20-15 (in the second set), they beat us in the serving and passing game. So I told them 'we just have to fix those two things and we'll be fine.'"

Maredis Colon had 17 kills for Dr. Phillips (6-1, 2-0 district) and Gregna Fuentes pitched in 37 assists.

Both teams came into the contest riding winning streaks: the Titans (6-2, 2-1 district) had won four consecutive games and the Panthers had won three in-a-row. 

With Dr. Phillips' winning streak now at four games, Eleutiza says the secret has been in the execution.

"Passing and defense," Eleutiza said. "Offense — everybody puts the ball away — but controlling the first contact of the game in every aspect (is important). Our serve-receive is very good and our defense is amazing. It frustrates teams."

Up next

For Dr. Phillips: The Panthers will get a few days of rest before hosting Freedom for a district game Sept. 20.

For Olympia: The Titans will play in a tournament hosted by Winter Park this weekend. On Sept. 16, Olympia will play Winter Park at 5 p.m. and DeLand at 7 p.m.