Lady Trojans send Smithfield packing for Senior Night triumph

New Kent's Haley Hyndshaw (13) delivers a kill by Smithfield's Ashleigh Yost (left).

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans season could be described similarly to their Senior Night contest on Halloween; it’s either going to be a trick or a treat. Fortunately for the hosts, Senior Night was full of goodies and smiles.

New Kent cruised to a 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 victory over the visiting Lady Packers of Smithfield in preparation of their regional playoff appearance.

The Lady Trojans rolled early behind the serving of Laura Vick. A half-dozen aces in the first night points by Vick catapulted them to a 13-3 lead in the contest before capturing the first set.

After another win in set two, New Kent head coach Cynthia Burnett rotated in some younger players in the third frame. Despite a tighter contest and score, the Lady Trojans team held firm as talent took over for the hosts in sending Smithfield to a loss.

After the contest, Burnett was blunt about what her team needs to do after finishing the regular season with a record of 11-12.

“We need to play with confidence and as a team,” she said. “Our bench needs to be loud and proud, whether we win or lose.

“We need to be able to shake off mistakes and move on and play with confidence,” Burnett continued. “They need to play like I know they can play. Sixteen girls got into the game and most of them played very well and did what I know they could do.”

Burnett’s focus now turns to the regional playoffs with New Kent expected to host a game.

“The coaches told them all along that we believe in you and you have to believe in you,” the head coach added. “I don’t know how to instill that, but that has to come from them.”