BURLINGTON — Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade A team had a volleyball match worthy of an amusement park thrill ride Thursday. (Think roller-coaster, head coach Terri Carlin said.)
The Mustang crew dropped the five-set match to host Burlington, 25-7, 20-25, 25-5, 26-15 and 15-9.
“Despite the loss, I was pleased with how the girls were playing,” Carlin said. “They continue to make some great plays. We just had a couple of bad sets, but we had lots of good things happen. I am proud of them for hanging in there and taking this match to five sets.”
Reese Curry’s strong net play in the match led to eight kills.
“Reese has great course sense, and finds open spots to hit the ball,” Carlin said. Curry also had three ace serves and two assists.
Mariah Jelinek also had a strong night at the net with five kills, to go with two ace serves.
Kaysin Crusinebery set up her teammates repeatedly, leading the Mustangs with five assists to go with an ace and four kills.
“Kaysin did a great job in all areas tonight,” Carlin said.
Alana Mader, who was praised by her head coach for her consistency, had five assists to go with an ace. LaPrincia Pulley, in her first A-team match, had four kills.
Shae McClain had two assists, while Annemarie McCullough had two aces and a kill.
Carlin also pointed out Elza Clift for her play. “I am extremely pleased,” Carlin said, pointing to Clift’s defensive prowess. “She handles tough serves and attacks. She had several times where she was diving for balls.” Clift had an ace serve and a kill.
THE B and C teams played a combined match, with C team playing the first two sets, falling 25-4 and 25-8, while the B team played sets last two, winning the first, 25-17 and dropping the finale, 25-11.
Baylie Crooks had two aces and a kill. Hailey Stogsdill and Harper Desmarteau each had two ace serves. Brooklyn Ellis and Maleigha Molina had one ace each.
Kyndal Bycroft dished out some nice serves and sets and earned an assist.
Morgan Wilson also shined on the court with her passing and leadership, Carlin said.
THE seventh-graders fell short, 25-22, 25-10 and 25-7 in the A team contest, while eight B team fell 25-13, 25-18, 15-9 and 25-12.
