Audio: Mount Olive coach proud of team’s effort in semifinals win

Opposite Robert Poole had a team-high 18 kills on a .410 attack percentage as Mount Olive defeated King 25-19, 25-17, 18-25, 25-22 in the ConfCarolinas Tournament semifinals on Friday in Wilson, North Carolina.

Poole was one of four Trojans to have double-digit kills in the victory against the co-ConfCarolinas regular season champions. Outside attacker Bret Rutledge finished with 13 kills and outside attacker Brad Monaghan had 12 kills, while middle attacker Andrew Sydow added 10 kills on a .625 attack percentage.

<

Setter Jeff Yasalonis also guided the Mount Olive offense to out-hit King .358 to .203, including having a match-best .545 attack percentage in the opening game.

Along with the team’s offensive performance, libero Josh Donahue led all players with 22 digs.

Outside attacker Jeff Sprayberry in the loss had a match-high 19 kills. This also was the Tornado’s first appearance in the conference tournament semifinals since the ConfCarolinas earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in 2014.

With its victory, Mount Olive will advance to play Barton in the ConfCarolinas Tournament finals on Saturday.

Check out Off the Block’s postmatch interview with Mount Olive coach David Heller following the semifinals win.