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N. Buncombe defeats SM in year’s first volleyball match
North Buncombe turned back Smoky Mountain 25-18, 25-17, 25-21 in a non-conference volleyball match Monday at Weaverville.
North led most of the first two games, and the Lady Mustangs let a lead slip away in game three.
“This is one of the most talented and dedicated teams that has come through this program in the past five years,” Coach Natasha Wilson said. “The only thing they’re lacking is confidence in themselves, in each other and in their coaches. Until they gain that confidence, they are not going to win ball games. That’s something that’s going to have to come from each player. I can’t teach them that.”
SM led 6-3 in the first game after a kill by Annelise Davis off Jodi Henkel’s serve. The Lady Hawks went in front for good at 13-12 and slowly pulled away.
Game two was much the same with North moving ahead for keeps at 11-10. The margin grew to 22-14, and the Lady Hawks coasted from there.
The Lady Mustangs held a slight edge most of the third game. They were up 20-17 after Kelly Childress’ serve but were outscored 8-1 the rest of the way.
Brittany Gilbert put down six kills, and Cassie Randall handed out six assists. Felicia Johnson had two blocks.
Gilbert was tops in service points with five while serving 92.9 percent. Henkel and Megan Taylor didn’t miss in 10 and nine serves, respectively. Team serving was 91.8 percent.
“Overall, our performance was good based on the amount of time we had been together as a team,” Wilson said.
She singled out Gilbert for her play at the net and as a setter and Davis and Johnson for their net play.
North won the JV match 13-25, 25-23, 25-21.
“For our first game, I was super proud,” Coach Nichole Efird said. “With everybody getting used to each other and me coming in as a coach, I couldn’t have asked for more.”
She singled out Kayla Moore for her play.
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