By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Host Watauga took command early in the No. 5 seeded Pioneers’ Round 1 matchup vs. No. 28 North Mecklenburg, cruising to a dominating, 3-0 sweep of the VMikings on Oct. 21 (25-7, 25-19, 25-12).
Madi Combs and Lainey Gragg recorded 20 and 14 assists, respectively in helping set up Watauga’s offensive attack. Emma Pastusic sliced 14 kills through the Viking defenders, while senior teammate Brooklyn Stanbery added 13 of her own.
As usual, the Pioneers proved dominating on defense. Evie Robbins collected 10 digs on the afternoon and Stanbery added seven. Middle hitters Grace Twillery and Kora Knight frustrated the Viking attack with three stuff blocks each, with Stanbery contributing two more.
The Pioneers return to action on Oct. 24 when they host No. 12 seeded Ardrey Kell in Lentz Eggers Gym for Round 2 of the NCHSAA State 4A Volleyball Championships.
