New Kent sweeps Lafayette to open home volleyball slate with win

New Kent’s Leah Rounds (7) delivers a kill between the outstretched arms of Lafayette defenders Maria Basantes (11) and Emma Duncan (12).

Robb Johnson photo

Looking to capitalize off a squad with a veteran presence, New Kent’s Lady Trojans opened their home volleyball slate Tuesday as they hosted the visiting Lafayette Lady Rams. And with Stuart Burnett at the helm for a second season, the hosts looked composed to become a viable contender in the Bay Rivers District.

New Kent defeated Lafayette 25-13, 25-20, 25-12 in the district affair to kick off their home campaign.

In the opening frame, a kill by sophomore Leah Rounds put the hosts ahead 5-4. But it was Evie Davenport’s lone kill of a night that sparked a 15-5 run that propelled the Lady Trojans to victory in the opening set.

In the second frame, it would be senior Lexi Powell picking up the pace for New Kent. Her tap over the net was enough to send her team into a positive celebration that resulted in a win for the set.

In the third frame, Lafayette kept it close with the hosts, only trailing by three (14-11) as they looked to fight back in the frame. But New Kent thwarted the comeback bid by the Lady Rams, as the hosts orchestrated a 11-3 run to close out the game, highlighted by three aces from Rounds and a power shot from Kendall White.

After the contest, Burnett spoke about the different mannerisms his team on the court brings this year.

“This is a much mature team than last year,” he said, referencing how 10 players graduated prior to him taking over the head coaching position. “These players now have experience playing in the Bay Rivers.

“Last year, she (Powell) played on the right side and Fallon Greenawalt is back at her position and has been putting balls away,” Burnett added. “If we have everyone contributing, then we should be in good shape with the variety that we have. Our hitters at the net are hitting harder than before and they are keeping the balls on the court.”