CALYPSO — Lilly Fulghum felt determined she could reach the 1,000-career plateau on the volleyball court this season.
That’s one goal accomplished.
The junior setter distributed a career-high 34 assists among six hitters during North Duplin’s three-set sweep over Carolina 1A foe Hobbton on senior day inside Kaleel Gymnasium.
Fulghum also served four aces in the 25-21, 25-19, 26-24 win.
Eva Quintanilla — one of four seniors recognized before the match — pounded out a season- and career-high 14 kills. Senior middle hitter Tateyawna Faison contributed eight kills and posted three blocks. Senior defensive specialists Iala Overton and M’Chelle Jaco provided 11 and five digs, respectively.
Freshman Maggie Brown cranked out a career-high 10 kills, while sister Abigeal Norris Brown supplied five kills and four digs.
Libero Marissa Bernal picked up a team-high 25 digs. The junior recorded 20 or more digs in a match this season and boosted her total to 348.
Freshman Carrly Strickland logged five digs and two aces. Melany Sanchez notched two kills. Ady Spence collected six digs.
North Duplin (11-7 overall, 6-4 Carolina) clinched the No. 3 seed for the season-ending tournament, which begins Monday. The Rebels play host to sixth-seeded Lakewood (3-16, 1-9) in quarterfinal-round play at 5 p.m.
Fourth-seeded Hobbton (13-5, 5-5) takes on Union at 7 p.m.
Top-seeded Rosewood (20-2, 10-0) and runner-up Neuse Charter (15-7, 7-3) advanced to the semifinals, which will be contested at North Duplin.
You may reach sports writer Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call/text 919-709-9257.
