New Kent quickly disposes Bruton Lady Panthers in volleyball sweep

New Kent’s Sofia Foster (10) lines up to deliver a spike between two Bruton defenders.

Robb Johnson photo

After a five-set defeat at Warhill High School, New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ volleyball team looked to rejuvenate their winning ways against the invading Bruton Lady Panthers. It was clear the hosts outmatched and outclassed the visitors from Bruton.

New Kent cruised to a 25-3, 25-8, 25-16 sweep of the Lady Panthers during Tuesday night volleyball action.

After breezing in the opening set, New Kent’s Haley Baker served for the hosts to account for eight straight points, including an ace that rocked Bruton. Despite minor errors on serves, New Kent still claimed the second set in relative ease.

With the opportunity for substitutes to get some action, Bruton took advantage of the younger cast of New Kent. The competitive nature forced a 14 deadlock when Coach Cynthia Burnett made an in-game adjustment. The coaching strategy was successful, as the hosts strung together an 11-2 run with Logan McKenney’s ace sealing the match.

After the contest, Burnett said that an error on her part was to blame for the struggles in the third set.

“We have our lineups on our sheets, and I thought I had the right one,” she said. “But when I came back and showed the girls, I think I showed them the wrong one and that caused some confusion.

“We were kind of shaky at the beginning,” Burnett continued. “I had a lot of subs in trying to get everyone equal playing time, so that was a factor. But in the end, they pulled it out and did what they needed to do.”

New Kent improves their record to 2-1.