The Union Spartans hosted the Lakewood Leopards in the annual “Volley For A Cure” game to raise money for breast cancer awareness, with Lakewood winning decisively in straight sets.
The Spartans hit the court with some good play in the beginning of the first set, going up by a score of 6-3. Lakewood would soon mount a comeback and tied the game at 6-6. The score stayed close until the Leopards went on a hot streak and took the lead 14-9. From then on it was the Leopards in top form as they took set one by the score of 25-13.
Set two started out close again. Nykia Owens had a big scoring streak and the score was tied again in this game at 6-6. Once again, Lakewood made a big run and got a big lead of 21-12. Union mounted a strong comeback and cut the lead to 23-19, but Lakewood pulled through and won 25-19.
Brittany Register got the Spartans off to a small lead with her strong serves to begin set three. The Leopards clawed their way back and went on to take the big lead 17-6. The Spartans then scored several point in a row to cut the score to 22-14. The Leopard then closed out the Spartans 25-14.
Lots of Leopards got in on the action as they played a complete team game. Anna Beth Averette led Lakewood with seven aces and 13 kills. Brianna Wheeler had nine digs and Grace Hairr added six for the Leopards. Payton Crumpler added five digs as well.
Krislyn Bullard had a big match with 28 assists. Ally Grace Royal had nine kills. Nidaria Powell had five kills and one block. Selena Smith had three aces. Tamia Rich and Gracey Godbold added one kill each.
Lakewood remains undefeated in the conference with three matches left in the regular season.
“I look forward to us playing up to our fullest potential just in time for the playoffs,” said Lakewood coach Shelia Davidson.
Lakewood improves to 14-3 and is unbeaten, 9-0, in conference. Union drops to 1-12 overall, 0-9 in conference. The Leopards will play on their home court on Thursday against Hobbton. Union’s next match will be Thursday at Neuse Charter. On Tuesday, the Spartans will play their final home game and celebrate senior night.
