Kinston beats SW Onslow, snaps 46-game volleyball skid

Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

JACKSONVILLE — The wait is over for Kinston volleyball.

The Vikings defeated Southwest Onslow 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-23 Wednesday to snap a 46-game losing streak. Kinston (1-3) hadn’t won since defeating Greene Central on Oct. 13, 2015, and Vikings coach Stephanie Ybarra said a four-set loss to the Stallions on Aug. 22 helped the team focus even more on the task at hand.

“The girls didn’t do anything different from how they usually play,” Ybarra said. “We knew what to expect from Southwest Onslow, so they played hard and came out on top — they really worked for this win. The senior class wanted to go out with a bang because it’s now or never for them.”

Lesley Sutton is one of the four-year players and said the team’s camaraderie has been great compared to past seasons, which helped the team to victory Wednesday.

“We’ve been losing so long, so this one we really appreciated this win,” Sutton said. “I think what helped is that our chemistry is a lot better this year. We’re learning to play better as a team, and when we come together as six on the court, we do a great job.”

Quiaira Powell, who has also played for Kinston all four years, shared similar sentiments.

“It felt great to win and we’re really proud of ourselves,” Powell said. “We wanted to make a statement with this being our last year and hopefully we can continue to win more. As long as we play our best, we have a chance.”

Kinston faces Havelock Thursday on the road before starting Eastern Carolina 2A conference play Sept. 5 at home against Washington. The Vikings are now looking to end a 30-game skid at home — the team’s last win came on Oct. 10, 2013 against Ayden-Grifton.