The Midway home crowd said goodbye to 4 Lady Raider seniors Thursday. The team and their families honored Emily Hairr, Brittany Watson, Taylor Faircloth, and Savannah Spell just before they performed in their final home match.

Midway defeated the visitors from West Bladen in straight sets.

Coach Jennifer Naylor experimented with several new rotations, but the Lady Raiders remained consistent. They won the first set 25-21, after leading just by 2 or 3 points most of the way.

The home team jumped out to a 11-5 lead in game 2, before the Lady Knights got a time out. They would later use their 2nd break when the Lady Raiders went up 19-12. West Bladen then tallied 4 straight points to trail 19-16 and later 20-18, before falling 25-20.

The final set was even more competitive. After nursing a lead most of the way, Midway fell behind17-14. The game was ultimately tied at 20 before strong serves by Alyssa Wrench, and a kill by Faircloth got it to 23-20 in favor of the Raiders. Hairr then finished out her home career with 2 solid serves for the 25-21 win.

“Last set, we had to collect ourselves a little bit,” asserted Naylor. “We talked about how when Raiders get pushed against the wall, they face adversity and come out fighting on Senior Night. What better way to finish than senior Hairr serving the last ball and Watson getting the kill.”

Naylor praised the play of all 4 seniors. “Faircloth had some good outside hits and Spell did well from her middle spot which she returned to. We wish the best of luck to our seniors, but it’s not over yet,” she added.

Midway, 10-3 in the Four County Conference and 14-10 overall, will finish the regular season Monday at Union. They will then wait to find out where they will be placed in the state playoffs.

By Danny McDowell

Sports Writer

Lady Raider Autumn Byrd sets it up for senior Taylor Faircloth at Midway Thursday
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/web1_wbvball-047.jpgLady Raider Autumn Byrd sets it up for senior Taylor Faircloth at Midway Thursday