SEVEN SPRINGS — The James Kenan Lady Tigers opened their matchup against the Spring Creek Lady Gators with a strong start, using early serving and timely plays to establish momentum in the opening set.
James Kenan’s No. 1 Peyton Ezzell stepped to the service line first and quickly put the Lady Tigers on the scoreboard with two points. Spring Creek answered with two points of its own before the Lady Gators took a brief advantage behind No. 20 Alaina Pratt at the service line.
The Lady Tigers responded to regain the lead, with the two teams battling through an early tie. James Kenan then began to create separation behind several big plays from No. 3 Y’Anna Rivers. Spring Creek called a timeout with the Lady Tigers holding the momentum.
Following the timeout, James Kenan continued to build its advantage, moving ahead 15-6. The Lady Gators managed to cut into the deficit, but the Lady Tigers continued to control the set. James Kenan extended its lead to 21-8 before closing out the opening set, 25-8.
Spring Creek Starts Strong in Set 2
The Lady Gators came out with renewed energy in the second set. No. 20 Alaina Pratt opened the set with two service points, while No. 19 Emily Tutor made a key defensive play as Spring Creek jumped ahead 4-0.
James Kenan quickly answered with its first point, but Spring Creek continued to find opportunities and maintained a 10-6 advantage. No. 5 Keity Torres Ponce helped keep the Lady Gators in front with a point from the service line, prompting a timeout from the Lady Tigers.
After the timeout, James Kenan worked its way back into the set. No. 3 Y’Anna Rivers delivered a big attacking play to help spark the comeback, and the Lady Tigers eventually tied the score behind strong serving.
Following a Spring Creek timeout, James Kenan continued its push. A key save by No. 5 Sienna Pender helped the Lady Tigers take a 16-11 lead. Spring Creek responded with a point, but James Kenan kept adding to its advantage.
With No. 15 Kenadi Gideons serving, the Lady Tigers moved closer to the finish line, building a 24-12 lead. Spring Creek continued to battle, including a big defensive play by No. 20 Alaina Pratt, but James Kenan closed out the set, 25-13, to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
Lady Tigers Finish the Sweep
Spring Creek again struck first in the third set, taking two quick points before James Kenan answered behind No. 7 Emma Brown at the service line. The Lady Tigers continued to battle for control, with No. 11 Nathaly Benitez contributing from the service line and No. 3 Y’Anna Rivers making a key save for an important point.
The Lady Gators eventually broke through after a stretch without scoring, but James Kenan maintained its advantage and moved ahead 17-7.
Spring Creek continued to fight behind No. 20 Alaina Pratt, who delivered two service points to help cut into the deficit. With the score at 21-10, James Kenan called a timeout as both teams prepared for the closing stretch.
The Lady Tigers came out of the timeout and kept the pressure on, with No. 7 Emma Brown delivering key serves as James Kenan moved within one point of victory.
James Kenan ultimately closed out the third set, 25-12, completing the sweep and securing its first victory of the season.
A Complete Team Effort
James Kenan’s victory came through consistent serving, defensive plays and timely scoring throughout all three sets. Spring Creek showed stretches of strong play, particularly early in the second set, but the Lady Tigers were able to regain momentum and finish each set.
The final scores were 25-8, 25-13, and 25-12 as James Kenan swept Spring Creek to open its season with a victory.
Post Interview
After the game, I got a chance to talk with Coach Hannah Blaylock Quinn of the James Kenan Lady Tigers. She said, “Coming into tonight, our biggest goal was to have fun, leave it all out there, and trust each other.” We know we have the talent to be successful. Still, at times we struggle with communication and playing loose, so I wanted the girls to focus on communicating, trusting one another, and enjoying the game. Getting our first win was exciting, but more importantly, I wanted them to see what we can accomplish when we play together. We also emphasized serving seams and specific spots, being aggressive, and putting the ball where we wanted it instead of simply getting it over the net. No. 3 Y’Anna Rivers and No. 7 Emma Brown did a great job executing that tonight and putting pressure on the opposing serve receive. Going into the final set, our biggest focus was starting strong and avoiding another early hole. We talked about minimizing our mistakes, taking care of our side of the net, and controlling the things we can control, such as serving the ball in and keeping our attacks in play. When we take care of the ball, play smart, and make the other team work for their points, we put ourselves in a much better position to succeed. Tonight, we did a better job of staying aggressive while also taking care of the little things, and that made a big difference. We at the Mount Olive Tribune would like to thank both Spring Creek and James Kenan for allowing us to cover your schools.