King William takes down improved Lady Panthers team in straight sets

Charles City’s Surayyah Tinsley (4) attacks the ball with a spike that would eventually squeak its way over the net over against King William defender Skylar Meriwether (left).

Robb Johnson photo

While many people look at the scoreboard in high school sports, the ability to create a culture and confidence in a program are key ingredients to build the future. And while Charles City’s Lady Panthers struggled all year to find the win column, their improvement is evident as depicted by Tuesday night’s contest against the visiting King William Lady Cavaliers.

The hosts put up a fierce challenge, taking King William to the limit before falling 10-25, 15-25, 14-25 in straight sets in the Tidewater District contest.

After falling behind by nine in the first set (11-2), Charles City Lady Panthers head coach Lillani Adkins elected not to take a timeout, forcing her team to play through the adversity. The team responded, returning serves from the Lady Cavaliers before running out of time in the opening set for a comeback.

The second set was more favorable for the hosts, as Charles City’s ability to use defensive digs to return them to points to garner an 8-6 lead in the second set. However, a lack of communication, something that has plagued the hosts all year, would allow King William to reemerge with a lead. But Zaniyah Chavis’ ace chipped into the visitors’ advantage, making the contest a five-point game (18-13). But King William turned up the pressure with a 7-2 run to capture the frame.

In the third set, Charles City dove constantly to the floor to make great saves and score points. Charles City once again had a lead before King Williams’ front line found open space to tap the ball in for scores. In the end, the Lady Cavaliers completed the sweep, but not before Charles City walked off the floor with their heads held high.

After the contest, Adkins said that one of her primary goals for the season was to instill discipline and structure for her team on and off the court, something that has been evident in the team’s play.

“They did much better against them (King William) then the first time we played them, and we are clearly learning,” the head coach said. “I demand respect from these girls, and they will not talk or treat me or any of their teammates or opponents in any sort of way.

“I tell them that they are a student-athlete first and the classroom comes first before they step in the gym,” Adkins added. “All of the drama they may have stays outside. That allows them to step up their play on the court and play their game. By doing that, they have fun and that is all I can ask of my girls, and that’s to give it their all.”

Charles City record falls to 2-13 on the year.