COLUMBUS, Miss. – The W volleyball team closed out a long weekend with a tri-match Friday afternoon. The Owls (0-4) played back-to-back exhibition matches versus Itawamba Community College and ended the day with a regular-season game against fellow NCAA D-III competitor Covenant College. The Owls were unable to put a check in the win column, but they did succeed in taking their first set in competitive play.
"After a long three days that included six matches, I can honestly say we improved every match," said head coach Brooke Carter. The girls are taking the feedback we are giving them and implementing it."
"I really want to commend those players who are coming off the bench and doing their part on the court," she continued. "Everyone is truly there for the best of the team from number one to number 30."
In the first match of the night, The W junior varsity team faced the Indians in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-15) loss.
Maggie Ledbetter led the Owls offense with four kills,
Camryn Johnson added three service aces, and
Evelyn Pruitt led the team with six assists. Defensively,
Briana Huerta-Ramirez covered the floor to tally 13 digs.
In match two, the varsity squad scrimmaged against Itawamba to fall 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-20). The W maintained a positive hitting percentage, with newcomer
Ricki-Jill Burrough leading the charge. The Carbon Hill, Ala. native, recorded ten kills in the effort to lead the Owls.
Other standouts were
Iyana Canada with a game-high four blocks, Karmen McCroy with two service aces,
Madison Lamon with 18 assists, and
Loren Schmitt with ten digs.
Against Covenant, the Owls competitive side really showed. The W was able to force the Scots into an extra set in the 3-1 (25-14, 25-19, 20-25, 25-12) loss.
In this match, Canada led the Owls offense with six kills, and
Tori Weir picked up six blocks at the net. Lamon tallied 14 assists in the setter position, while
Lacey Evans led the defense with ten digs in the back row.
With such a busy week, the team is looking forward to a few days' rest. "We will definitely enjoy these two off days," said Coach Carter, "but we are excited to get back to practice on Monday to prepare for the upcoming week of matches.
The W will be back in action on Thursday, March 4, when they travel to Pulaski, Tenn. to take on Martin Methodist College. The first serve is at 7 p.m.
For the latest on Owls volleyball and the rest of Owls athletics, visit Owls Athletics.com and follow us on social media at The W Athletics.
