During such uncertain times, getting to play sports is a gift because these uncertain times can take away sports at any moment.
So, before the start of Southern Wayne’s volleyball game against C.B. Aycock, Southern Wayne head coach Jamie Williams honored the seniors on each team for years of dedication and hard work.
“Before the season, I was talking to my assistant coach, and we wanted to do something for them every home game because at any point it can get taken away, it did for spring sports,” Williams said. “That was difficult to witness, so every home game we want to honor them.
“We got all the non-seniors to just send memories or things about the girls that they just like and admire.
On the court, C.B. Aycock dished out 25-12, 25-18, 25- 18 victory against the Saints, and after dropping their season opener, the Golden Falcons earned their first win of the season.
The Golden Falcons jumped out to an 8-0 lead before the Saints won their first point. However, C.B. Aycock answered with a 17-11 run, and Abbey Thomas Core spiked down a kill to put the set away.
“I was proud of the first game, in the second game they got comfortable, and in the third game, way too comfortable,” C.B. Aycock head coach Kimberly Hughes said. “The rotation in the first two sets was really working, but I think by the third one, they were exhausted because a big issue for us this year is making sure we condition more.”
Back to back aces from Camryn Ryan gave the Golden Falcons a 7-0 lead early in the second set, and it looked like the Golden Falcons would cruise through the second set.
However, down 24-12, the Saints went on a 6-0 run to cut C.B. Aycock’s lead down to 24-18, but C.B. Aycock won the second set off another kill from Thomas.
“We got our first game jitters out of the way, and I think they played with a lot of heart and hustle, and stuff like that you can’t teach,” Williams said. “Even though their backs were against the wall every set, they never gave up and got better set by set, and I was happy to see the improvement each set.”
The teams battled back and forth in the third set until a six-point run gave the Golden Falcons a 17-16 advantage. C.B. Aycock then used a 7-2 run to fly ahead 24-18. Fittingly, the game ended on another kill by Thomas.
After the game, Hughes acknowledged the difficulties of playing volleyball while wearing masks and how much she appreciated the Saints pregame ceremony.
“It’s a disadvantage to all the girls,” Hughes said. “It’s something else to be concerned with, but I know we have to do it, and I understand why we have to do it.
“That was very nice, and coach Williams makes a good point that we don’t know if we can play next week.”
