Streaking Lady Flyers Sweep Wildcats, Fire Ants

The Sandhills Community College volleyball team extended its winning streak to six matches on Saturday at The Hangar by sweeping both Johnson and Wales, and USC Sumter in a tri-match.

The Lady Flyers (8-4) defeated Johnson and Wales of Charlotte 25-16, 25-20 and 25-20 in the opener. With only a 30 minute interval between matches, they took the measure of USC Sumter 25-16, 25-20 and 25-20.

Johnson and Wales (8-4) swept USC Sumter (2-10) in the final match of the day.

"Today was big because we took care of business against teams that gave us two of our losses," Coach Alicia Riggan said afterward. "I thought we were in the driver's seat in both matches. Even when it became tight, I thought the girls really kept their composure."

The Lady Flyers continue a stretch of eight home matches in 12 days when they entertain Lenoir CC at 6 p.m. on Monday. USC Lancaster provides the opposition on Tuesday followed by Fayetteville Tech on Wednesday, also in 6 p.m. starts.

Setter Camryn Lowe found open spots for "dumps" three times in the first set to help the Flyers get off to a fast start against a Wildcats squad that defeated them 3-2 two weeks ago. They trailed by as many as six points in the second set before three service aces by Lowe helped them catch up and take the lead.

Lexi Allen, Savanna Lowery and Maddie Harris each contributed three kills in the third set to help complete the sweep.

Allen was the leader in kills with 10. Lowe and Abby Quick were each credited with 10 digs. Lowe (13) and Kaitlyn Locklear (10) combined for 23 assists.

Middle hitter Keke Lawrence, who was named the NJCAA Division III Defensive Player of the Week of September 13-19,  was asked if it was difficult playing two matches back-to-back?

"No, because we had done it before (the previous Saturday)," she said. "We just had to pick up our energy, like 'hey, we've got two games back-to-back, lets finish it'."

Against a USC Sumter team that defeated them 3-1 at the Surry Invitational in late August, the Flyers trailed only briefly throughout.

Seven different Flyers were credited with kills in an efficient first set that produced 14 against only four attack errors.

Locklear notched three consecutive service aces to help her team pull away from the Fire Ants in the second set. A win at the net by middle hitter Mackenzie Swett in the third wrapped up the double sweep.

Lawrence was credited with nine kills and four solo blocks. She is now fourth in Division III with 31 solos. Lowe was credited with 18 more assists and Quick was the leader in digs with 11.

Asked about the player of the week honor, Lawrence said. "I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing. Just because I got it I'm not going to fall back. I'm always going to try to be the best I can be."

Heading into a busy week, Riggan likes the confidence she has seen growing in her players since the 0-3 start to the season.  In two matches, featuring long rallies, she was impressed by the tenacity of players like Quick, L'Asia Jackson and Shelby Hull on the backline and the way they are communicating and trusting each other. 

"We have three home games next week and then two conference games at Patrick Henry on Saturday," the coach said. "We have tomorrow to rest and then we have to refocus for Lenoir.

"I'm just really proud of the way the girls took care of it in three sets both times today."

C. Bergmann