By Junious Smith III

AYDEN — The Chargers are still rolling in conference play.

Ayden-Grifton defeated North Lenoir 25-11, 25-18, 25-16 in Thursday’s game to push its Eastern Carolina Conference winning streak to 21 games. Despite not having Alexia Bryant in the lineup, the Chargers (8-4, 4-0) got the job done.

“The team still (had) the drive and momentum to get the win in three straight,” Chargers coach Linda Bryant said.

Behind a Kanijah Taylor block and Paytyn Jones kill, North Lenoir (7-5, 2-2) took a 4-2 lead to start, but Ayden-Grifton responded with a 12-1 run to control the set. Aale'Yah Garris paced the team with four blocks and a service ace as the Hawks wouldn't get within eight.

“I knew that there was a lot of responsibility on me, so I had to do my part and work extra hard,” Garris said. “We’re on a good run and have been able to keep it going so far.”

The teams split the first four points of the second set before the Chargers went on a 5-0 run highlighted by an Abby Langemann service ace. Kills from Jones and Reena Parris helped the Hawks get within 8-5, but a Garris ace and Dykes block were part of a 8-1 spurt to keep the Chargers ahead. North Lenoir got within 23-18 after consecutive aces from Clara Boyette, but Ayden-Grifton closed the set from there.

Two Dykes kills and a Holly Cannon service ace highlighted a 6-1 Ayden-Grifton start in the third set. A pair of Jones aces and a Parris kill brought North Lenoir within 7-5, but the Chargers responded with a 6-1 run punctuated by a Paige Stallings ace. The Hawks would threaten again at 14-11, but the Chargers wouldn’t let them get any closer with Garris’ kill finishing the match.

“With us missing a starter, we had to substitute her kills for smart plays, maneuvering things around,” Dykes said. “We just have to keep playing to our abilities.”

North Lenoir coach Heather Carson said she like the Hawks’ efforts throughout the contest.

“I’m proud that they didn’t give up,” Carson said. “They kept fighting (and) even when they got down, they didn’t fold.”

North Lenoir travels to Kinston to play the Vikings Tuesday while Ayden-Grifton heads to Greene Central on the same day.