VGCC Women’s Volleyball team gets first win of season

The Vance-Granville Community College women’s volleyball team won its first match of the season on Oct. 5, in what was also the program’s first match against a team from a four-year university. The Vanguards bested the squad from Mid-Atlantic Christian University in a thrilling home match that started with VGCC victories in the first two sets (25-19 and 25-23). Then, the Mustangs bounced back, handing the Vanguards back-to-back losses (25-11 and 25-19), but VGCC won the decisive fifth set (15-10). Leading the Vanguards to the win were Nicole Oakley of Stem (who posted 4 service aces, 27 digs, 12 assists, and 7 kills), Brianna Gatson of Bunn (5 service aces, 21 digs, 13 assists, 9 kills and one block), and Kayla Padgett of Henderson (one service ace, 12 digs, one assist and 7 kills).

 

The successful match capped a busy period for the Vanguards, who played five matches in nine days, starting with a three-set loss (25-14, 25-5, 25-12) to Lenoir CC at home on Sept. 27. Standouts in that match included Gatson (10 digs, 2 assists and 2 kills) and Ashley Tinnin of Roxboro (one service ace, 6 digs and 2 kills). The next day, VGCC traveled to Wake Tech CC for a tri-match. In the Vanguards’ first contest, Wake Tech won in three sets (25-8, 25-10, 25-9). Gatson had 9 digs, 2 assists, one kill and 2 blocks, while Tinnin contributed 8 digs, one assist and 3 kills. The second match saw VGCC fall in three sets (25-11, 25-12, 25-6) to Spartanburg Methodist College. Gatson again led the way with 11 digs, one kill and one block. On Oct. 3, VGCC traveled to Rockingham CC and lost the match in three sets (25-8, 25-10, 25-17). Gatson and Oakley, returning to action after an injury, posted 4 assists and 2 kills apiece. Tinnin had 3 kills and 2 blocks.

 

VGCC’s final home match of the season will be a double-header with Central Carolina Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson. The first match will begin at 5 p.m. and the second will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. There is no charge for admission. For more information on volleyball, visit the VGCC athletics website ( vgcc.edu/athletics ).

 

Above:  Kayla Padgett of Henderson serves during VGCC’s volleyball match at home versus Lenoir Community College. (VGCC photo)

 

 

Above: Nicole Oakley (VGCC photo)

 

 

Above: Ashley Tinnin (VGCC photo)

 

 

Above: Brianna Gatson (VGCC photo)