Lancaster serves way to victory over Charles City in volleyball opener

Charles City's Ashley McDermott's diving attempt to keep the ball in play comes up a few inches short.

Andre' Jones photo

Entering year two of its relaunch, Charles City’s Lady Panthers volleyball program is seeking improvement on a two-win campaign from last season. And while the team showed improvement in its first contest on Aug. 29, taking care of basics will prove as a focal point this year.

Lancaster’s Lady Red Devils invaded Charles City and knocked off the hosts Lady Panthers 25-9, 25-9, 25-11 in a three game sweep.

Charles City struggled from the onset, falling behind mostly in part of serves from Lancaster’s Riley Moliuax and Rachel Valdrighi. Lancaster jumped out 4-0 in the opening set before a Lady Panther rally cut the lead in half (10-5). However, the guests responded with a 15-4 set to close out the frame.

In the second stanza, Charles City garnered its first lead of the year. Behind the serving of Keanna Motley, Charles City pulled ahead 4-1 in the second frame. But that lead failed to last as Wilson Trockmorton, Madison Davis, and Valdrighi combined for 12 aces in a 24-5 run to win the set for the guests.

After falling behind 3-0 to open the third period, Charles City found momentum. A diving save by Krystle Jones led to an Ashley McDermott tap for a score. Jada Cotman’s floater gave the hosts a 5-4 lead.

But the power from Lancaster’s back line proved to be too much for the hosts, as Valdrighi led a charge of eight straight points to put the contest out of reach.

After the game, first year Lady Panther head coach Jessica Hornsby spoke about the opening match.

“Sometimes we get psyched out when we see the scoreboard,” she said. “What we have to do is keep focus on succeeding and the winning will come afterwards.

“I have seen improvement from practice and last year and this year I expect it to be a whole different ball game.”

Hornsby has cause to be optimistic. Of the 12 players listed on the roster, eight are returners from last year’s squad. Nine of those players are also seniors, who she expects to lead this season’s charge.

“I expect those who come back to be the loudest on the court,” Hornsby commented. “A silent gym is a deadly gym.

“I want them to cheer and point out to the younger ones and help them with the challenges,” she added. “I expect them to also be great learners themselves throughout the season.”

Charles City falls to 0-1 on the year.