The Warren County Middle School Lady Pioneer volleyball team was in action for the first time at home in the regular season Thursday afternoon as it faced a visiting rival, the Coffee County Lady Raiders.
The Lady Pioneers were up early, 14-7, but lost focus and never recovered as they lost the set, 25-20, despite a rally at the end of the set.
The Lady Pioneers found their footing in the second set as they won it, 25-21, in a set that saw more communication and improved serving, according to coach Kelly Clayborne. That set up a winner-take-all third set.
The third set was the first one to 16 and it was a back-and-forth tussle. The Lady Pioneers were tied up with the Lady Raiders in the final stages, but found a way to win the set and match thanks to good play at the net and the serving position, 16-14.
In the sets Madison Hollis served the ball extremely well each set and Samantha Jennings led the team with several kills and blocks, according to Clayborne.
Clayborne had this to say about the team’s overall play.
“Overall I was pleased with how we played as a team. With being just our second game into the season, I was happy to see we could finish a close game. I was also able to see areas we need to work on to continue to get better each game.”
The Lady Pioneers will be back in action tomorrow as they travel to take on Avery Trace in Cookeville.
Match time starts at 4:30 p.m.