Ayden-Grifton’s Alexia Bryant goes up for a kill during Monday’s game against Wilmington Ashley. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

AYDEN — Ayden-Grifton didn’t get off to an ideal start of what will be a tough week of volleyball.

Wilmington Ashley picked up a 25-17, 25-13, 18-25, 25-18 victory Monday, spoiling the home opener for the Chargers (2-2). Ayden-Grifton’s three games this week are in the friendly confines of Bob Murphrey Gym, but the Chargers take on NCHSAA 3A finalist Greenville Conley Tuesday before facing Farmville Central the following day.

The Eagles (4-0) used a 6-0 run early in the first set to gain control and never looked back before winning the second handily. The Chargers showcased their resolve in the third set, controlling the majority of it and getting the victory.

“When we decided to come together and play as a team, that’s when we took the lead,” Ayden-Grifton coach Linda Bryant said. “They started working that way in the third set, and hopefully this game showed the importance of playing like that against every opponent.”

Bryant said the team will need to have a stronger focus against Conley Tuesday.

“Conley has a great program, and all I can ask is that the girls play hard,” Bryant said. “If they do that, it’s all I can really ask for.”

Emily Dykes led the Chargers with 11 kills and five blocks, Abby Langemann added six kills, and Alexia Bryant and Aaleyah Garris added four kills each. Caroline Congleton provided 14 assists for Ayden-Grifton.