By David Rogers. WILKESBORO, N.C. — Led by 15 kills from senior outside hitter Brooklyn Stanbery and eight more from sophomore Emma Pastusic, Watauga women’s volleyball cruised to a 3-set sweep of West Wilkes on Aug. 16, 25-12, 25-19, 25-11.
Libero Evie Robbins figured prominently in the win with 15 digs and four service aces, while adding four assists to her day’s stat line. Madi Combs and Lainey Gragg continued to split time as the designated setter, recording 16 and 11 assists, respectively.
Watauga will put its 2-0 record to a test on Saturday, Aug. 19, when the Pioneers host a powerful Cox Mill team. The Chargers recorded a 10-2 record in the strong, Greater Metro 4A Conference a year ago, 18-9 overall, finally losing in the second round of the state playoffs to Sun Valley (Monroe), the 4A state runner-up.
After Cox Mill, the Pioneers have six more non-conference challenges before entering Northwestern Conference play vs. South Caldwell on Sept. 13. Those matches include vs. Hickory (Aug. 22), at Draughn (Aug. 24), at Cuthbertson (Aug. 28), at Foard (Aug. 31), vs. Cuthbertson (Sept. 5), and at Hickory (Sept. 6).
KEY INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES VS. WEST WILKES
- Brooklyn Stanbery: 15 kills, 2 service aces, 9 digs
- Evie Robbins: 4 assists, 4 service aces, 15 digs
- Emma Pastusic: 8 kills
- Grace Tillery: 3 kills, one stuff block
- Lainey Gragg: 11 assists, 2 service aces, 6 digs
- Madi Combs: 16 assists, 2 digs
- Olivia Kop: 7 digs
