VGCC wins women’s volleyball doubleheader as sophomores honored
The Vance-Granville Community College women’s volleyball team expressed appreciation to its sophomore student-athletes on Saturday, Oct. 10, before their final match on the Vanguards’ home court, Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson. VGCC Coach Christopher Young presented certificates to recognize Avery Allen and Kara Reese, both of Henderson, Caitlyn Robins of Creedmoor and Rachel Thomas of Louisburg for their accomplishments over two seasons on the team.
The VGCC squad went on to win both matches of that day’s doubleheader versus the Lions from High Point-based Laurel University by 3-1 margins. That brought the Vanguards’ record to 9-6 (3-3 in conference play).
In the first match, VGCC dispatched Laurel by a 25-10 score in the first set. The close second set saw VGCC fight back after trailing by as many as six points to edge the Lions, 26-24. Laurel then won the third set, 25-22, but the Vanguards sealed the victory with a 25-18 win in the fourth.
Freshman Jesse Edwards of Henderson, returning to action after an injury, led VGCC in kills (23) and blocks (ten). Another freshman, Melissa Elliott of Townsville, had the most assists by far, with 51, along with five service aces. Thomas was the leader in digs (26). A new addition to the team, Kiyanna Kearney of Henderson, also contributed 15 digs in her first match as a Vanguard.
The second match began with a 25-12 win for VGCC, followed by a 25-21 victory for Laurel in the second set. The Vanguards came away with a victory by winning two more hard-fought sets, 25-19 and 25-22.
In her final contest at home, Reese was the team’s leader in service aces (seven) and digs (15). Edwards again led VGCC in kills (15) and blocks (five). Elliott recorded 45 assists.
VGCC was coming off a tough conference loss on the road at Danville (Va.) Community College by a 3-2 margin (17-25, 26-24, 25-18, 16-25 and 12-15) on Oct. 3. Reese had the most kills (18) and blocks (nine), while Edwards was sidelined due to an injury. Elliott posted 34 assists. Robins, one of the team’s defensive leaders, had the most digs (32) but was injured in the fifth set at DCC and consequently saw very limited action in the Laurel doubleheader. She is expected to miss the rest of the season.
The Vanguards will compete in the Region X conference tournament, set for Oct. 23-24 at Sandhills Community College.
Above: VGCC sophomores Caitlyn Robins of Creedmoor, Avery Allen of Henderson, Kara Reese of Henderson and Rachel Thomas of Louisburg were recognized just before the Oct. 10 doubleheader with Laurel University began. (VGCC photo)
