New Kent’s offense clicking, Lady Trojans sweep Jamestown in volleyball

New Kent’s Mackenzie Loveland lives up to her position as setter as she prepares to launch the ball in the air.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans volleyball team welcomed rival Jamestown Tuesday night in a battle of teams going through rebuilding stages. For the hosts, their maturation over a short period of time has paid dividends.

New Kent swept the visiting Jamestown Lady Eagles 25-16, 25-18, 25-11 in the Bay Rivers District matchup.

In the opening frame, the score was tied at five apiece when Lady Trojan Ava Nieto used serves to open up the advantage to three (8-5) for the hosts. After a pair of points were scored by teammate Kendall White, New Kent orchestrated a run to take a 17-14 lead. The hosts captured the frame with an 8-2 run to win the first set.

Set two saw another competitive match-up to begin. A block by New Kent’s Mackenzie Loveland at the net sparked a 10-1 run for the hosts to provide them a double-digit lead (16-6). From there, the Lady Trojans captured the set, with the third set following suit as the hosts distanced themselves early for the win.

After the contest, New Kent Lady Trojans Head Coach Stuart Burnett complimented his team’s improvement since their loss.

“I am excited about the balance and our serving was a lot better tonight,” he said. “Our team just keeps going out there and winning, and I am just not trying to get in their way.”

New Kent’s record improves to 4-1.