North Lenoir flies past Southwest Edgecombe

LA GRANGE — What began as a tight volleyball competition evolved into a display of dominance.

North Lenoir defeated Southwest Edgecombe 25-8, 25-12, 25-18 Tuesday in non-conference play. The Hawks (9-2) took over early in the first set and never looked back after it looked like the Cougars (6-3) were game.

“We started hitting more, our passes were a lot better and we controlled the game at the net,” North Lenoir coach Heather Carson. “It was a great combo of offense and defense for us.”

The game’s first nine points featured four ties and three lead changes. Southwest Edgecombe took a 4-3 lead, but a kill from Gabby Stallings triggered a 4-0 run and North Lenoir gained momentum.

The Hawks would have runs of 7-0 and 10-1 to easily close out the first set. Southwest Edgecombe would tie the second set at 2, but North Lenoir went on a 5-0 run, highlighted by a pair of Stallings service aces to regain control. Paytyn Jones would make her presence felt with five of her seven blocks in the second set, allowing the Hawks to pick up the 2-0 advantage.

“I was just able to get my timing right on the blocks and we made sure we stopped them at the net,” Jones said.

North Lenoir never lost the advantage in the third set, jumping out to a 4-0 lead, highlighted by Amber Davenport’s ace. Southwest Edgecombe closed the gap to 12-10, but an 8-0 run by the Hawks effectively ended the game.

As the Hawks prepare to take on Rosewood at home Tuesday, Kennedy Sullivan said the team has to keep the momentum going.

“We need to start strong and keep a positive attitude the whole time,” Sullivan said.

Jones led the Hawks with 12 kills, Stallings added seven and Reena Parris had six. Davenport had 24 assists and 20 service points with Sullivan adding eight digs and 10 service points.