Arendell Parrott Academy's Alli Grant Avery fires a shot over the Wayne Country Day defense during Thursday's matchup. Photo by Melissa Lambert / Special to Neuse News

The Arendell Parrott Academy volleyball team still has room for improvement, a scary proposition for the rest of the NCISAA.

The Patriots faced another undefeated team in Wayne County Day Thursday, winning 25-20, 25-15, 25-20, picking up their 36th straight regular season win. However, this one was a tougher challenge with Parrott (5-0) facing a Chargers team coming in at 9-0.

Patriots coach David Barnes said he was happy to get the win, but felt there were some areas where his team wasn’t as strong.

“We knew (Wayne Country Day) was pretty good and they played good defense,” Barnes said. “They didn’t beat themselves and while I was proud of our efforts and our ability to force some errors, our serving wasn’t as good as it usually was and it got us in trouble at times. We have to improve there and fix other mistakes in practice.”

The teams traded points early in the first set, with Wayne Country Day eventually taking a 10-8 advantage. APA responded with four straight points — punctuated by a Gabby Carriere service ace — but the Chargers stayed close, tying the match at 13. The Patriots responded with three straight Alli Grant Avery kills to start a 6-0 run to close out the set, taking the 1-0 lead on a Mackenzie Pope kill.

Pope started the second set with a service ace to trigger an opening 3-0 run for the Patriots. The Chargers scored the next two points, but APA went on a 10-1 run to blow the set open. Wayne Country Day wouldn’t get within seven as Parrott won handily to push its opposition to the brink.

WCD responded in a third set with 13 ties. The Chargers took a 9-6 lead, but kills by Avery and Virginia Edmondson were part of a 7-1 run, keeping the Patriots ahead. Although Wayne Country Day tied the game seven times afterwards — the final one coming at 19 — APA finished the match on a 6-1 run, punctuated by Avery’s 22nd kill.

Carriere said this game was a solid message to send to the rest of the state as the Patriots continue to improve.

“We’re showing that we’re back this year and ready to play with anyone,” Carriere said. “We really got on a roll and played more as a team as the game went on.”

The Patriots’ next game will be on the road against Fayetteville Christian Monday.