By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — It might have been Watauga High School’s varsity volleyball team’s biggest challenge before state playoffs begin later in October, a non-conference tilt vs. High Country rival, Ashe County — but the Pioneers breezed through with a 3-0 sweep (25-12, 25-18, 25-18).
The win was not without a test, however. Unlike previous sweeps in which head coach came close to emptying her bench in getting as many as 15 rostered players court time, in this one she deployed only nine.
Statistical leaders included Ashlyn Smith (4 service aces, 15 digs, 15 serve receives, 6 kills), Emma Pastusic (22 kills, 9 serve receives, 1 service ace), Lainey Gragg (30 assists, 9 digs, 2 kills, 1 service ace), and Caroline Childers (16 serve receives, 12 digs, 1 service ace).
Next up for Watauga is a trip to Hudson to resume Northwestern Conference play against South Caldwell, the first of four matches over the next 10 days to complete conference play. To follow: vs. Alexander Central (Oct. 2), at McDowell (Oct. 7), vs. St. Stephens (Oct. 9). In their first league encounters of the home-at-home series, Watauga recorded 3-0 sweeps against all four conference opponents, with the Cougars of Alexander Central offering the biggest challenge.
Now 17-1 on the season, overall, and 6-0 in conference play, the Pioneers are currently ranked No. 14 in all of North Carolina by MaxPreps, and No. 3 in the NC 6A classification, behind only J.H. Rose and Kings Mountain.
SELECTED MATCH STATS
Kills: Emma Pastusic (22), Ashlyn Smith (6), Addie Stough (3), Julia Rowan (3), Kora Knight (2), Lainey Gragg (2)
Service Aces: Ashlyn Smith (4), Lainey Gragg (1), Caroline Childers (1), Emma Pastusic (1)
Blocks: Addie Stough (4), Julia Rowan (3)
Digs: Ashlyn Smith (15), Caroline Childers (12), Lainey Gragg (9), Lilli Combs (4), Emma Pastusic (2), Kora Knight (1), Addie Stough (1), Graycie Collins (1)
Assists: Lainey Gragg (30), Caroline Childers (4), Lilli Combs (1)
Serve Receive: Caroline Childers (16), Ashlyn Smith (15), Emma Pastusic (9), Graycie Collins (1)
