Sanderson volleyball
Prior to the start of Monday's contest against Southeast Raleigh, members of the Sanderson volleyball team huddled up and gave a spirited cheer.
Volleyball spikes SE Raleigh
Consider Sanderson volleyball team's 3-0 victory over Southeast Raleigh Monday the Lady Spartans' next step in a season-long journey.
While they aren't yet a finished product, the Lady Spartans were more than capable of eluding the Bulldogs, winning 25-21, 25-18 and 25-15.
"We played a little better tonight than we have been, but we are still fighting to be consistent through a whole match," said first-year head coach Stephanie Rhodes. "That's our goal, and that's what we have to do."
Monday's first set was by far the most competitive as both squads remained within a point or two through 21-21.
But with MacKenzie Averett serving, Sanderson recorded four straight points to close out the set. Even a Southeast Raleigh timeout late couldn't stop Averett's roll.
In the second set, Sanderson raced out to an 8-2 advantage, again led by Averett, who scored five straight points. Slowly the Bulldogs climbed back into contention, drawing with two, 18-16. But the Lady Spartans finished on a 7-2 run, capped by Emma Celentano, who served the final two points.
Afterward, Rhodes praised the duo of Averett and Celentano for their competitive fire.
"MacKenzie and Emma play a really aggressive style of ball and that's exactly what we need," she said. "Emma is just a gamer, and she seems to always step it up when we need it."
Celentano's jump serve is no joke either as Southeast Raleigh struggled to put a good hit on it.
In the final set, Ashley Davis served five straight points helping Sanderson jump ahead 9-3 in the early going.
While the Bulldogs eventually pulled within seven, 20-13, late, the outcome was never in question.
Rhodes wasn't surprised by Davis' solid service game, stating "she has done that in a few matches for us already."
With the victory, the Lady Spartans move to 2-2 this season, and are scheduled to face Enloe Sept. 1.
"We look forward to playing Enloe," Rhodes said. "Every match in the Cap-7 is a good match, and it's always a challenge. You have to push yourself, and that's exactly what we need."
Senior Sophie Palles knows it will take Sanderson's best effort to keep up with the Eagles.
"We are just figuring things out, and we still have a little ways to go," she said. "Enloe is going to be tough, and our blocking has to be good. We should probably work on our service game as well."
But with seven days to prepare, the Lady Spartans might be ready for another step forward.
