Sweet sweep as Lady Trojans defeat Tabb in season opener

New Kent’s Haley Hyndshaw (15) uses finesse over power by tipping the ball over the outstretched arms of Tabb’s Janae Sayler.

Andre' Jones photo

New Kent Lady Trojans started their season out in style, sweeping the visiting Tabb Lady Tigers 25-20, 25-11, 25-18 to win the Aug. 29 opener.

The first set saw both teams trying to get a feel for each other. The process resulted in the hosts leading 12-11 before the Lady Trojans scored six of the next seven points. Tabb attempted to fight back in the match, but Lexi Batkins only kill of the game clinched the set.

After New Kent dominated the second set, Tabb attempted to thwart the sweep. The Lady Tigers came out aggressive, scoring the first four points. The hosts, but more specifically junior Torri Pickett, had other plans. After New Kent regained the lead 9-8, Pickett orchestrated the next six points, with five of them aces. That momentum swing was finalized as Pickett served and set up her teammates for the final point of the contest.

Lady Trojan head coach Cynthia Burnett talked about the importance of the service game after the victorious opening night.

“Our serving was absolutely brilliant tonight,” the elated head coach said. “Torii [Pickett] and Lexie [Butler] did an outstanding job tonight.

“We had 23 aces tonight,” she added. “They could not handle our pressure on the serve or at the net.”

New Kent starts off the season 1-0 while Tabb suffers its first loss and drops to 1-1.