Lady Trojans dismantle Rams

Pinpoint serving on the part of New Kent’s unbeaten Lady Trojans kept Lafayette’s visiting Rams off-balance for most of their Bay Rivers District volleyball encounter. In the end, the Lady Trojans walked away with 25-18, 25-13, 21-25, 25-13 triumph.

The Sept. 14 outcome upped New Kent’s record to 4-0 in the district, 5-0 overall, and set up last Thursday’s clash with undefeated Grafton for sole possession of first place in Bay Rivers.

New Kent built a commanding lead in taking game one of the best of five affair, but had to fight back after the Rams jumped out to 4-0 advantage in game two. Karley Allen’s three service aces, however, helped wipe out the deficit. Megan Clark’s spike off a Lena Ciaravino set broke the game’s last deadlock (8-8). From there, three aces delivered by Sarah Barnett put the hosts ahead to stay.

Game three, however, went to the Rams who built a 23-12 advantage and then held off a furious New Kent comeback.

“Balls were hitting the ground, and we weren’t playing like a team,” said Lady Trojan coach Cyndi Burnett, pointing to the game three swoon. “We were also getting called tighter on double hits than we’re used to. But we regrouped and got refocused.”

Lafayette miscues enabled New Kent to take an early 4-2 lead in game four. Then Allen stepped behind the back line to serve. Her three consecutive aces created breathing room.

Back-to-back kills at the net from Amanda Branch handed New Kent a 16-7 lead, effectively putting the contest out of reach.

Allen’s 15 kills and 11 aces led the Lady Trojan offense. Branch finished with six kills followed by five each from Clark and Ciaravino. Barnett contributed six aces while Ciaravino was credited with 29 assists.

On defense, Clark led with 11 digs followed by Barnett’s seven, Branch’s six, Allen’s five, and four from Ciaravino.