Inconsistency snaps Lady Panthers win streak

Charles City's Jada Cotman (4) catches Middlesex's front line off guard with a bump over the net for a score as teammate Kylee Brinkley (3) looks on in support.

Andre' Jones photo

Charles City’s Lady Panthers looked to build upon a two-match win streak as they hosted visiting Middlesex in a Sept. 27 contest. Unfortunately for the hosts, the Lady Chargers quickly eliminated any notion of increasing the win column.

Middlesex cruised to a 25-8, 25-8, 25-11 victory in the Tidewater District matchup. And while the play wasn’t considered pretty for the visitors, they took advantage of the Lady Panthers miscues. In set one Middlesex jumped out 14-2 in part of miscommunication between Charles City players before taking it 25-8.

Charles City performed better in the second stanza, jumping out to a 4-2 advantage. Middlesex pulled even with the hosts at seven apiece for orchestrating a 14-1 run to distance themselves in set two. The final frame was no better for the Lady Panthers, falling behind 18-3 before a mild rally pulled them within ten (20-10). Middlesex rebounded and finished off the set with a 5-1 spurt.

After the contest, frustrated Lady Panthers head coach Jessica Hornsby made remarks about the differences felt in this contest and the two prior wins.

“This was a silent game and we didn’t have this in the last two games,” she said, pointing to the lack of communication on the court. “They have to have the ability to coach themselves and pick each other up on the floor.

“It’s hard to find the right combination of girls to put on the floor when we lack communication,” Hornsby continued. “These girls are strong and independent but they are going to have to learn how to lean on each other. This is a team game and they got to do better and they will do better.”

Charles City’s record falls to 2-5 on the season.