Lakewood’s varsity volleyball team played against James Kenan Monday, scoring a victory in straight sets against the Tigers.

The Leopards dominated James Kenan for much of match as only one of the sets was remotely close. Lakewood won the first set convincingly 25-9. The second set resulted in a 25-16 score and Lakewood wrapped up the match with a 25-11 third set for the win.

Lakewood has had a solid season to this point, dropping just one match to Midway.

“Well against Midway after we lost, we understood we needed to get a lot better defensively,” said Leopards coach Shelia Davidson. “So, we changed a couple of things on defense, not a great big change, just tweaked a little and moved some people slightly to the left or slightly up. So, we’ve been working a lot on defense and serve receiving.”

The new defensive formations have been working out for the Leopards so far, as the team seems to be adapting to it well.

“Yes, and I feel if you were to ask them if they were more comfortable with this defense they will tell you yes,” continued Davidson.“You’re defense is going to be 50 percent successful by itself just by them being comfortable with it and they’re comfortable with it so we’re going to move on with that change.”

James Kenan coach Angelica Favela said her team’s attitude and communication could improve.

“They definitely could improve with attitude, that’s the biggest part; communication and the will to work together,” she said. “Some of these girls I’ve been with since their freshmen year and to see them tonight on varsity with seniors, they have definitely improved.”

For Lakewood, Anna Beth Averette led with 12 kills, NiDaria Powell garnered five kills, Peyton Crumpler had four kills and Tamia Rich Hitter tacked on another three kills. Krislyn Bullard tallied 23 assists and seven aces, while Libero Brianna Wheeler had three aces.

Lakewood improves to 5-1 on the season and will play Clinton in a Neutral Conference Match on Wednesday, August 30th.

Lakewood’s Anna Beth Averette goes up for a kill in the Leopards’ win against James Kenan on Monday.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Lakewood-12-Anna-Beth-Averette.jpgLakewood’s Anna Beth Averette goes up for a kill in the Leopards’ win against James Kenan on Monday.
Lakewood improves to 5-1 on young season

By Chris Froat

Sports Writer

Reach Chris Froat at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.