New Kent sweeps York to capture milestone win for coaches

New Kent’s Haley Baker (right) uses a little bit of deception as she tips the ball over York defenders instead of setting up a teammate for a kill.

Robb Johnson photo

Being a mainstay at a program and having a significant impact is something New Kent Lady Trojans Head Volleyball Coach Cynthia Burnett and her husband, assistant coach Stuart Burnett, pride themselves on when working with younger athletes. Tuesday night’s milestone was just another notch on their list of accomplishments and successes.

The coaching duo earned win number 500 as New Kent’s Lady Trojans swept York’s Lady Falcons 25-14, 25-18, 25-20 in the Bay Rivers District contest.

In the opening set, the hosting Lady Trojans raced out to a 17-4 lead before using their stingy defense to suffocate York to claim the frame. In the second stanza, York took charge to hold a 14-11 advantage before Lady Trojan Julia Hathaway’s kill sparked a 14-4 run to lift the hosts to claim the set.

In the third set, New Kent once again trailed early on (13-7) before discipline and dominance took over. The Lady Trojans controlled the play at the net, frustrating York before using a 9-4 run to put away the match.

After the contest, Cynthia Burnett spoke about her milestone achievement.

“It took a long time (33 years) to get here,” she said. “Stuart and I have done it together along with the players and everyone involved. It has been a family effort.”

New Kent improves to 7-2 on the season.