Forget the first-match jitters and scrap any early-season rust. The No. 2 Centennial volleyball team, defending Class 3A champion, was having none of it.
Not even the fact that No. 1 Broadneck, the returning Class 4A champion, was visiting last night mattered much.
The host Eagles - getting balanced production from their hitters, reliable play from senior setter Jennifer Feldmann and scrappy defense from Jennifer Hilchey - made quick work of the Bruins in a 25-22, 25-18, 26-24 win.
"It was pretty amazing to have two of last year's state champions playing each other. This match, we started to connect a little more as a team. That's been showing a little bit in practice, but today we really just came together, talked a lot more and concentrated on what we need to do next," said Feldmann, who finished with 36 assists and added four aces and four digs.