New Kent’s season ends in regional semifinals at Tabb

New Kent’s Haley Hyndshaw (13) revs up to deliver a spike against Tabb’s Alli Pratt (left) and Emily Knaub (right).

Robb Johnson photo

Postseason volleyball affairs between Bay Rivers District rivals New Kent and Tabb have been a staple for the last two years, with each team splitting wins in the previous encounters. In a Monday night battle with a spot to the Group 3A state tournament on the line, it would be the experienced Lady Tigers of Tabb who would bring New Kent’s season to an end.

New Kent fell 10-25, 11-25, 25-22, 16-25 to Tabb, closing the season out for the Lady Trojans at a record of 13-13.

The top-seeded Lady Tigers dominated the first two sets, using kills along with constant pressure to nullify New Kent’s power game. Instead, Tabb utilized their strengths to jump to the two-set advantage as they looked to sweep the visitors out the playoffs.

But the Lady Trojans jumped out 5-0 in the third stanza. With substitutions and a confidence being gained in the younger players, New Kent won ramped the hard fought third set that apparently relaxed the team and made the game competitive once again.

Tabb ramped up the speed of the contest, mixing up finesse in power when attacking the net, ultimately ending the match and New Kent’s season.

Lady Trojans head coach Cynthia Burnett reflected about the 2019 campaign and the future of the program in her postgame interview.

“I am very encouraged by my freshmen and my sophomores,” she said. “They all stepped up and I see a bright future for New Kent volleyball.

“I thank the Seniors for all they have done for us,” Burnett continued. “We have a lot to look forward to and I saw performances in the third and fourth game that I have not seen all year long.

“I have thirteen players returning,” the coach said as she wrapped up her interview. “How many coaches can say that? Not many.”