New Kent sweeps I.C. Norcom in volleyball regional quarterfinals

New Kent libero Sophie McLaughlin (left) charges in for a dig as teammate Taylor Eubank (2) readies herself in the support position.

Robb Johnson photo

In college sports’ tournaments, sometimes it’s not about the record, but when you are clicking. For New Kent’s Lady Trojans volleyball team, they’ve picked the time to be at the near peak of their game.

New Kent coasted to a 25-8, 25-13, 25-13 in a straight set win over the I.C. Norcom Lady Greyhounds in the quarterfinals of the Group 3A Region A tournament, setting up a date with Bay Rivers District rival York for an opportunity to head to the playoffs.

In the opening set, New Kent jumped out to a huge 20-6 lead with I.C. Norcom struggling to return the serves from the visiting Lady Trojans. It was two additional aces from Lexi Powell that clinched the win for the Lady Trojans in the frame.

In the second frame, Powell took charge from behind the service line, acing eight of the next 12 points for New Kent. Meanwhile, Aubrey Hyndshaw would assist by notching four kills in the set to capture it. The Lady Trojans claimed the final frame in relative ease, notching the sweep in the match and advancing to the regional semifinals.

New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Stuart Burnett talked about the preparation and rematch against a York team that has upended them this season on more than one occasion.

“York is tough, and they were second in the Bay Rivers District,” the coach said. “They are one of the teams that has beaten us twice this year.

“However, we are a much better team than when we played them in the early season,” Burnett added. “Lexi [Powell] has really come on and we have made adjustments. We know that if we win this next game, we go to the state tournament.”