By KEVIN CALLAHAN
Courier-Post Staff
CHERRY HILL
Coming back became routine.

The Cherry Hill West High School volleyball team had already come back from two significant deficits, so being down three points on game point didn't seem to phase the Lions on Wednesday afternoon.

With the poise of a champion, West rallied from an imposing deficit against Moorestown to sweep the Quakers 2-0 in the Sweet 16 of the state tournament.

"In the beginning of the season, we wouldn't have been able to pull ourselves out of a hole like that," West senior Matt Parisi said.

As a result of this developed composure, seventh-seeded West plays against second-seeded St. Joseph-Metuchen/Don Bosco Prep winner on Friday in the Elite Eight.

"I think we can take it," West senior Liam Howley said about moving into the Final Four of the state, "but it will be tough."

West had it tough all day against Moorestown. The two teams had split during the regular season in Olympic Conference play and both scores were 2-1, so this matchup figured to be no different.

In fact, it looked like the Quakers were ready to take this rubber match when they jumped out to a 9-5 lead in the first game. Then, in the second game, Moorestown took a 13-5 lead. However, West prevailed 25-17 and then 28-26 against its familiar foe.

"It was like playing a video game," West senior setter Andrew Nop said about playing the third time against Moorestown, "but it was fun and I liked it."

On game point in the second game, West trailed 24-21 before rallying with three points to tie the game. With the count at 25-25, Nops dump shot gave the Lions a one-point lead.

"We were playing as if it was game point on the other side," Nop said about the intensity of the final points.

The game winner came off a smash from Parisi.

"Being down three points and winning the game should give us total confidence," Parisi said.

The loss ended the best season in school history for Moorestown. Senior Tony Velott was sensational with seven kills and so was Greg Knell who had 19 assists.

"We came in as sophomores and we were 1-15 and we go out now at 20-6, Velott said. "It shows great improvement."