Payton coach Joel Anderson said he feels his 2014 team could possibly be the best he’s ever had at the school.

That’s high praise from a coach who has taken the Grizzlies downstate three times in his seven years.

Young coach Jaime Walters echoed those sentiments, about her team as well.

“This may be the most physically strong team I’ve had, but we’re still young,” Walters said.

Both teams showed glimpses on how great they could be, with Payton winning the battle between the Public League powers 25-20, 19-25, 25-23 Thursday at Attack Athletics.

“Playing them right away can make you a little nervous,” Payton freshman libero Allie Powrie said. “They’re a big rival and always good, so beating them any time is always big.”

Returning six starters from last season, including Olivia Rozmus, the Grizzlies have multiple options in which to go to in a time of need.

This was no more evident than in the second set when Rozmus went to serve with her team down 20-14.

With the junior at the service line, Payton got to within 20-17, but a Maya Popernick kill, as well as an Ann Ernst kill and an ace, helped the Dolphins close out the second set.

Young got out to such a fast start in the third set, it looked like the Dolphins would run away with the victory. The team had commanding leads of 8-3 and later 14-8, but the Grizzles (2-0, 2-0 Super) wouldn’t go away.

Point-by-point, Payton setter Marlee Nork distributed the ball well to her teammates en route to a 13-4 run that would tie the set at 18. Young fought back, tying the set at 21, 22 and 23, but a Powrie ace gave the Grizzlies the match.

“I use a jump float when I get back to the line,” Powrie said. “It took some time and practice to learn, but I got good at it and it helped us win.”

Rozmus led Payton with eight kills and 10 digs, while Nork had 20 assists and eight digs. Ann Ernst and Jessica Latham, both juniors, each had eight kills for Young (1-1, 1-1). Ernst added three aces and 12 digs.

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