Charles City drops competitive contest on Senior Night

Charles City’s Jaelah Wyatt (left) and Adrianna Steele (right) both attempt digs to keep the ball in play.

Andre' Jones photo

Charles City’s Lady Panthers made great strides during their Oct. 19 Senior Night against Middlesex. And despite falling in three sets 15-25, 13-25, 21-25 to the visiting Lady Chargers, head coach Racene Otey voiced high praise for her squad.

“This was a complete turnaround from the first time we played them,” she commented.

Despite the final score of the sets, Charles City played stride for stride with Middlesex. In set one, the hosts held the lead twice. After falling behind, the Lady Panthers climbed within two (11-9) before the guests claimed the opening set.

In the next frame, Middlesex jumped out to a 5-0 advantage over the hosts. But improved communication from the Lady Panthers and movement on the court rallied the hosts to within four (11-7) before Middlesex regrouped to claim set two.

The Lady Chargers employed a strategy of rotating their best servers and defenders throughout the game, as Makenzie Bristow, Abby Purcell and Maciie Daniel attacked from the backline. However, the Lady Panthers countered, with seniors Kourtney Wyatt and Adrianna Steele stepping up to return the serves and numerous digs from junior teammate Jaelah Wyatt. The combined efforts saw Charles City tie the game at eight apiece in set three.

Services from junior Savanna Adkins put the Lady Panthers ahead 10-8. That lead increased to 14-10 as Middlesex ‘s communication broke down. Kourtney Wyatt kept the Lady Panthers ahead with two points from serves and a 17-12 advantage.

The hosts led 20-18 before Middlesex broke momentum with a Laura Walton kill. The game tied once again at 21 apiece before the guests rallied off four consecutive points to win the match.

Otey’s praise for her seniors and the team as a whole was evident in her postgame comments.

“They wanted it, they were hungry,” the head coach said. “We were moving around and we were communicating it. Even when we weren’t getting to the ball, we made attempts.”

Otey hopes that the momentum will carry into their final two regular season contests on the road.

“I see a lot of good that came out of this game and it won’t be long until you see the results of our hard work,” she concluded.

Charles City drops to 0-9 on the year.