Makenzi Hudson makes a kill in Midway’s 3-0 win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
After overcoming a slow start, Midway’s varsity volleyball team swept visiting East-Central 2-A Conference foe James Kenan Thursday to stay unbeaten on the season. Individual set scores were 25-15, 25-18 and 25-11.
“We started out slow and just not playing the game we can play,” said Midway coach Brandy Wrench. “I gave them that aggressive talk to try to get them back into the game. Second set we got hung up on that one last point. And sometimes the last point and the first point are the hardest to get. But, mentally we’ve got to be prepared for something like that and be able to work through it.”
Senior Allison Belflowers had four kills and two blocks, senior Taylor Williams had four kills, one block and three aces on nine service points, senior Sydney Williams had 16 assists and senior Maranda Byrd had 12 digs and four aces on six service points to lead the Raiders (6-0, 6-0 ECC).
Chloe Baggett had three kills, five assists, five digs and four aces on eight service points. Rylie Williams had three kills, two digs and three aces on eight service points. Alyssa Hargrove had three kills, one dig and two aces on three service points. Makenzi Hudson had two kills, three blocks, three digs and one ace on eight service points. Emma Clark had one kill, two digs and one ace on three service points. Maranda Byrd had one kill and one assist. Sydney Williams had one kill and two digs. Courtney Lee had one kill and one dig and held serve for one point. Taylor Williams had five digs. Belflowers had one dig.
“That’s a good thing about this year,” Wrench said. “You’ve got girls that are playing their hardest and to their highest level. And you can see it across the board, all over the court.”
Senior Vivan Rodriguez, junior Emma Haze Avent, junior Rachel Blanchard and senior Maggie Brown had two kills apiece to lead the Tigers (2-6).
The first set was close early, but with the score tied 13-13, Midway finished the set on a 12-2 run.
Midway opened the second set on a 5-1 run and led the rest of the way. With Midway holding set point at 24-13, Clinton held off five set points before Hargrove ended the set with a kill, assisted by Sydney Williams.
Midway dominated the third set, opening with an 11-1 run and holding the lead the rest of the way. The Raiders were effective at the service line in the third set, serving a combined 10 aces in the set.
“We went on some good serve runs,” Wrench said. “And that’s what we’re looking for to carry us to the end of the season is going on good serve runs.”
After a week off, Midway will return to action on Monday, Dec. 21 at home against conference and Sampson County rival Clinton (4-3, 4-3).
Maranda Byrd makes a dig for Midway against James Kenan.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Taylor Williams serves an ace for the Raiders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Allison Belflowers blocks in Midway’s 3-0 win over James Kenan.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Sydney Williams sets for Midway at home on Thursday.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Alyssa Hargrove finishes the second set with a kill.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
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