Flyers Sweep Opponents in Games One and Two at Flyers Invitational
The Sandhills Community College Flyers opened the 2024 Flyers Invitational with an impressive performance on Saturday, notching two straight-set victories over Johnson & Wales University and USC Sumter. The Flyers set the tone early and never let up, improving their season record to 3-0.
Match 1: Sandhills 3, Johnson & Wales 0
In their first match of the day at noon, the Flyers swept Johnson & Wales University, 25-17, 25-11, 25-20. The balanced attack from Sandhills kept the Wildcats off-balance throughout the match. Leading the charge was outside hitter Caroline Bradford, who contributed 8 kills and 10 points, while Kristin Dodds added 6 kills with an impressive .400 hitting percentage.
Setter Sydney Garner was a key playmaker with 6 assists and contributed 5 digs on defense. Lainey Mullins showed her versatility, serving up 2 aces while collecting 18 digs, and Zoey Hall added 10 assists with 4 digs. Sandhills' consistent play at the net was bolstered by Cassidy Jewett and Katelyn Bunting, both contributing to key blocks that helped stifle the Johnson & Wales attack.
The Flyers' ability to remain steady across all three sets helped them secure the sweep and build momentum for their second match of the day.
Match 2: Sandhills 3, USC Sumter 0
In the afternoon matchup against USC Sumter, Sandhills showcased their depth once again, en route to a 25-13, 25-21, 25-9 victory. The Flyers' offense was firing on all cylinders, posting a .305 hitting percentage as a team, with Kristin Dodds leading the way with 8 kills and a .462 hitting percentage. Jenna Luquer was also a standout, tallying 8 kills with a .533 hitting percentage in a highly efficient performance.
Luquer reflected on the team's strong camaraderie and personal confidence, saying, "I enjoyed the energy in The Hangar today. This year's team has tons of encouragement and support for each other on and off the court. After hitting such a high percentage in game two today, it helped me gain confidence in myself, and I know I have a good support system behind me."
In the second set, Ellie Everhart hit the ball exceptionally well, helping to drive the Flyers' offensive momentum. She finished with 4 kills and reflected on her performance, saying, "It felt amazing to go out there and put the ball away today."
The Flyers were just as effective on the defensive side, with Zoey Hall leading the team with 16 assists and 8 digs. Caroline Bradford was a force at the net with 4 kills and 9 digs, while Reagan Smith and Haley Whitaker both provided valuable contributions off the bench.
Reflecting on the team's strong showing, head coach Alicia Riggan said, "Today was an awesome day in The Hangar. Excited to be 3-0. We have been rotating through different lineups and working on chemistry. The girls are doing a great job of being ready and executing when it's their time. Proud of the girls and how they are supporting each other. We need to keep this momentum for the Bryant & Stratton game tomorrow at 12."
Up Next:
The Flyers will return to action tomorrow as they take on Bryant & Stratton College at noon, looking to maintain their perfect start to the season. Stay tuned for more updates and game results!
