Panthers’ ability to return serve aids in first win of the season

Published 8:36 pm Wednesday, August 28, 2019

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AMERICUS – The Americus-Sumter girls’ volleyball team (ASHS) won their first match of the regular season as they swept Randolph-Clay (RC) in two sets 25-15, 25-14. The difference in the match was the Panthers’ ability to do a better job of returning the serve.

In Game 1, both teams struggled with controlling balls that were served in and both teams struggled with service errors. However, the Panthers were able to score points off service aces as the Red Devils had a more difficult time returning serve.

ASHS player Kourtney Jenkins is about to serve match point for the Panthers.
Photo by Ken Gustafson

ASHS also benefited from service errors committed by RC.

The Panthers took an 11-6 lead early in Game 1. From there, they outscored the Red Devils 14-9 to win the first game 25-15.

In Game 2, both teams worked their way to a 9-9 tie before RC took a one-point lead. At that point, ASHS took over. The Panthers went on a 7-0 run to take a 16-10 lead. That run was the catalyst that helped secure the game and the match for ASHS. With the Panthers leading 24-14 in Game 2, Kourtney Jenkins made the final serve for the Panthers. The Red Devils did not handle the ball cleanly and the Panthers won the game 25-14, thus winning the match.

“We’ve improved a lot compared to last year. We did great. I’m so proud of my teammates,” team captain Kamelia Williams said.