NK claims easy Senior Night win

New Kent’s Ashley Pierce elevates to block a Smithfield shot. Click on Photo Gallery for more photos.

Alan Chamberlain photo

Senior Night at New Kent will be remembered for the host Lady Trojans’ volleyball dominance of Bay Rivers District opponent Smithfield (2-14).

The first and second sets of the Oct. 23 match were never really in question. New Kent never trailed in handing the Lady Packers consecutive 25-9 setbacks. The Lady Trojan service game totaled 27 aces and marked the emergence of senior Kelsey Stanbro, who missed part of the season with injury, using her six-foot-two build to dominate at the net.

“She’s back and she getting her confidence back and being a force at the net,” said Lady Trojan coach Cyndi Burnett.

In the third set, New Kent fell behind 5-3 and trailed for a brief period. But the hosts then went on a strong run highlighted by a Jena Williams kill and consecutive aces that took the will from the Lady Packers. New Kent won 25-14.

“When next year rolls around, we are going miss them a lot,” said Burnett, referring to her four seniors who have bought leadership and confidence to a team that features seven juniors and one freshman.

The New Kent seniors’ numbers included Karley Allen with 12 kills, eight assists, four aces and nine digs. Williams had four kills, four assists, five aces, and two digs. Ashley Pierce finshed with six aces, two kills, two assists, and two digs while Stanbro added three kills, two aces, and two digs.

New Kent is now 14-3. They had one more game in district play before the district tournament quarterfinals start this week.