Flyers Fend Off Bobcats, Sweep Flyers Invitational
The 14th-ranked Sandhills Community College Flyers (4-0) continued their red-hot start to the season, wrapping up the second day of the Flyers Invitational with a hard-fought 3-0 victory over Bryant & Stratton College (VA) Bobcats (1-2) on Saturday afternoon at Heins Gymnasium. The Flyers maintained their momentum, sweeping the Bobcats with set scores of 25-18, 25-23, and 25-12.
"A lot of good moments," said Flyers head coach Alicia Riggan. "I felt like in the first and third sets, we really got out there, did a really good job with our serving, and pushed points. In the second set, we took our foot a little bit off the gas pedal. I just felt like we weren't focused and made some unforced errors. I'm excited with the way it ended and with being 4-0."
The Flyers have started the season on an impressive note, winning all four matches by shutouts. The team's chemistry and leadership have been key factors in their success.
"I think our chemistry is improving every time we step on the court, whether it's in practice or in a game," Riggan added. "I think our leadership from our upperclassmen and our captains is really awesome. I feel like the girls are really supporting each other from the sideline to the court, and I think it's making everybody's job easier. So, I'm just really proud of them."
Match Highlights
The Flyers got off to a fast start in the opening set, jumping out to an 8-1 lead. Although the Bobcats found their rhythm and made the set competitive, the Flyers stayed in control, winning the set 25-18.
In the second set, Sandhills encountered some adversity. After a back-and-forth beginning, the Flyers managed to pull ahead with a 16-9 lead. However, the Bobcats rallied, closing the gap to 17-18. Sandhills responded with composure, regaining their footing to win the set 25-23 and take a 2-0 lead.
"I don't like to see us give up a lead like we did," Riggan noted, "but I like for us to be calm under pressure. I feel like this team has a different buzz about them when we're up and when we're down, and I like that we put our foot on the gas and finished that second set."
The third set belonged entirely to the Flyers, who jumped out to a 6-0 lead and never looked back. They maintained their focus, executing key scoring runs to comfortably close out the match with a 25-12 victory, securing the sweep.
Individual Standouts
Kristin Dodds contributed 10 kills, one dig, and one block, while Cassidy Jewett made an impact on both sides of the ball with eight kills and two blocks. Jenna Luquer and Katelyn Bunting each contributed four kills, with Luquer adding four digs and Bunting registering one dig and one block.
"We noticed that their middle started to play really aggressive, so our number one goal was to shut her down and force them on the outside," Jewett said. "We are doing a great job of coming together and hyping each other up. As soon as we get a game plan together and make it happen, we start seeing success and start rolling."
Defensively, Lainey Mullins led the team with 11 digs, adding an assist. Setter Mariana Clayton dished out 14 assists, while Sydney Garner had eight and Zoey Hall contributed five. Ellie Everhart, Anyssia Mains, Julia Porter, Reagan Smith, and Haley Whitaker each added a kill to the Flyers' balanced attack.
"We are super pumped this season," Jewett said. "We're just hoping to continue this success and better ourselves."
Upcoming Matches
The Flyers return to action at home on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. against Lenoir Community College. After that, Sandhills will embark on an eight-game road trip starting Wednesday.
Z. Ciboth