VGCC Women’s Volleyball team wins three straight
The Vance-Granville Community College women’s volleyball team enjoyed a successful last weekend of August, as the Vanguards won three consecutive matches in two days.
In their first match of the season on VGCC’s home court, Aycock Recreation Center in Henderson, the Vanguards welcomed the Bruins from Piedmont International University of Winston-Salem on Aug. 28. The home team was dominant, winning three sets to none (with scores of 25-11, 25-14 and 25-16).
VGCC was led in kills by sophomore Kara Reese of Henderson, with 14. She also contributed six digs and an assist. Freshman Jesse Edwards of Henderson had eight kills, three blocks, three aces and an assist. Edwards and another freshman, Morgan Carter of Norlina, led in digs, with eight each. Sophomore Caitlyn Robins of Creedmoor had the most assists (11). Freshman Melissa Elliott of Townsville was not far behind, with ten assists, and led in aces, with five.
The next day, Aug. 29, VGCC traveled to Elizabeth City for a tri-match with host Mid-Atlantic Christian University and Christendom College of Front Royal, Va.
Against the Christendom Crusaders, VGCC emerged victorious in three sets, with scores of 25-18, 25-18 and 28-26. The hard-fought final set went beyond the usual 25 points because teams must win by at least two points.
Edwards led the Vanguards in kills (nine) and in blocks (eight) while also contributing ten digs. Reese had the most digs (13) on top of five kills and seven blocks. Elliott and sophomore Rachel Thomas of Louisburg recorded 11 digs apiece. Elliott also led in assists, with ten.
VGCC then went on to face the home team, the Mustangs of MACU. The two squads traded victories back and forth. The Vanguards won the first set, 25-18, but the Mustangs came back in the second, winning 28-26. VGCC won the third, 25-14, but MACU came out on top in the fourth, 25-20. In the decisive fifth set, the Vanguards held on to seal the victory with a 15-10 score. Winners of deciding games only need to score 15 points.
Again, Edwards led her team in kills (15) and in blocks (ten) for this match. Reese had the most digs (20) for the Vanguards, while also making 14 kills and five blocks. Robins was the leader in assists (20), with Elliott close behind at 19. Thomas had the most aces (three), along with 17 digs and six kills.
“All six players turned in very strong performances throughout the weekend, whether the game was close or not,” said VGCC Coach Christopher Young. “Statistically, Jesse Edwards and Kara Reese stood out, but Morgan Carter, Caitlyn Robins, Melissa Elliott and Rachel Thomas turned in amazing performances defensively to keep the games close and eventually earn victories. We had many close games on Saturday, but the Vanguards stood tall and did not back down from these three four-year universities.”
After the Labor Day break, VGCC will begin conference play on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m., hosting the team from Sandhills Community College at Aycock Recreation Center ( see the complete schedule here ).
With the wins, the Vanguards improved to four wins and one loss on the season. The VGCC team has already achieved more victories this season than in any of the last four.
Above: VGCC’s Caitlyn Robins (number 9) jumps to hit the ball during the team’s match versus Piedmont International University at Aycock Recreation Center. Other Vanguards standing, from left, were Rachel Thomas, Kara Reese, Jesse Edwards, Morgan Carter and Melissa Elliott. (VGCC photo)
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Above: VGCC’s Melissa Elliott prepares to hit the ball during the team’s match versus Piedmont International University at Aycock Recreation Center. (VGCC photo)
