By CINDY CROSBY
cindyc4@yahoo.com
The Colleton Prep varsity volleyball team earned a win over Patrick Henry Academy in five sets in the season opener played Thursday Aug. 20 at home. The Lady Hawks dropped the first two sets (25-17, 25-14) then rebounded to win three straight (25-21, 25-19, 15-4).
The Lady Hawks are under the direction of first-year head coach Packy Burke who takes over the reins from Coach Ashley Finney. Burke inherits a team that finished 11-5 overall and 5-5 in SCISA Class I-AA in 2019-2020.
Against Patrick Henry, Ella Nolte had nine kills and four aces. Weslin Jones had six kills and three aces and Taylor Tomedolskey had four kills and two aces. Jessica Hughes had one kill and two aces. In kills, Linley Jones – three, Caroline Mock – three, Emily Wilson – two, and Rachel Wright – two.
“Our Varsity girls got off to a slow start as they lost the first two games getting the rust out,” said Coach Burke. “They bounced back for two games in a row to keep us in it and dismissed a strong Patrick Henry team by taking a tie-breaker in game five. It was a back and forth game showcasing long exciting rallies. We relied on senior experience from Weslin Jones, Ella Nolte, Ally Crook, and Rachel Wright to keep the Patriots on their heels.”
“Sophomore Linley Jones, who is at times a superwoman soaring over the net, added her never give up attitude to the mix,” said Burke. “I knew we were unstoppable when Jessica Hughes stepped up to serve for us, she was as cool as the other side of the pillow under pressure. I think in the end, we were a little more than Patrick Henry bargained for.”
The Lady Hawks were scheduled to travel to Jefferson Davis Monday, Sept. 24, then return home for a busy week with Orangeburg Prep Tuesday Sept. 25, Dorchester Academy Wednesday Sept. 26, and Beaufort Academy Thursday Sept. 27.
Lady Hawk volleyball earns win in season opener
