By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — One of Watauga’s youngest volleyball team’s in recent years survived a rigorous non-conference slate with a 3-6 record — but gained confidence with every encounter. Four dominant sweeps over Northwestern Conference finds the Pioneers “running on all cylinders.”
BONUS PHOTOS AT BOTTOM (click any image for Slide Show mode)
While Watauga’s 3-0 performances against South Caldwell, Alexander Central and Hibriten were all closer, the latest victim was Freedom on Sept. 23, 3-0 (25-5, 25-4, 25-16) — and given the number of Pioneers who saw court time, it could have been even more demoralizing for the Patriots.
The Pioneers all but emptied their bench on this night and hardly missed a beat with any combination of players. Eight different Pioneers recorded kills on the night, led by Emma Pastusic and Grace Twillery, with 14 and 7, respectively. But the firepower also came from the likes of Kora Knight (5 kills), Gracyn Phelps (3), Sophie Wade (2), Ashlyn Smith (2), Hadleigh Windish (1) and Athena Elliott (1).
While Watauga exhibited some broad-based power at the net, much of the team’s scoring success can be attributed to strategic and aggressive serves, particularly off the arms of senior Addi Parker (14 aces) and freshman Carolina Childers (4). Also contributing service aces were freshman Quinn Haines (1) and Bella Wade (1).
Watauga faces arguably their stiffest challenge for the Northwestern Conference championship on Sept. 25 when the Pioneers travel north to take on Ashe County to complete round 1 of conference play. The Huskies also lost a couple of seniors to graduation after last season, but nonetheless are sporting a 14-1 overall record and the same 4-0 record against other Northwestern Conference opponents.
On attack, the Huskies are led by a trio of seniors, Lanie Bowers, Abby Sheets and Maylee Bevins. Their assist leader is junior Lorali Overcash and defensive leaders include senior Alexis Rollins (173 digs and 250 serve receptions this season), and Sheets (28 blocks). Blevins has tallied 49 service aces.
SELECTED WATAUGA STATS VS. FREEDOM
- Addi Parker: 14 service aces, 2 digs
- Lilli Combs: 5 digs
- Caroline Childers: 4 service aces, 7 digs, 2 assists
- Emma Pastusic: 14 kills, 4 digs
- Grace Twillery: 7 kills, 1 stuff block
- Kora Knight: 5 kills, 1 assist
- Lainey Gragg: 20 assists, 3 digs
- Quinn Haines: 10 assists, 1 service ace
- Hadleigh Windish: 1 kill, 2 digs
- Gracyn Phelps: 3 kills
- Ashlyn Smith: 2 kills, 1 dig
- Athena Elliott: 1 kill, 1 assist, 1 dig
BONUS PHOTOS (all photographic images by David Rogers for High Country Sports)
