The North Duplin Lady Rebels battled through a back-and-forth opening set Tuesday, rallying late to defeat the East Columbus Lady Gators, 25-23, before carrying that momentum through the next two sets for a three-set sweep.
East Columbus opened the match with No. 7 Journey Sutton at the service line, but an early serving error gave the Rebels the first point of the night. North Duplin’s No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham then stepped up to serve and helped the Rebels add two more points.
The Lady Gators answered with strong defensive play before No. 2 Skylah Collins took over at the service line and helped East Columbus even the score. A big kill by No. 4 Maggie Brown gave the Gators a two-point advantage as North Duplin began making defensive adjustments.
Coach Best responded by bringing in additional defensive players as the Rebels looked to slow down East Columbus’ attack. North Duplin eventually regained possession, with No. 9 Raegen Turner stepping up to serve.
A big kill by No. 4 Maggie Brown helped the Lady Rebels climb back into the set, cutting into the Gators’ advantage with East Columbus holding an 8-6 lead.
The teams continued trading points until North Duplin began to find its rhythm. The Rebels received another boost from No. 4 Maggie Brown at the service line, as she added two points to help North Duplin even the score and take the lead.
With the Rebels holding a 14-13 advantage, East Columbus called a timeout.
Rebels Answer Every Challenge
The timeout briefly shifted the momentum back toward the Lady Gators, who quickly regained the lead. North Duplin refused to back down, however, answering with two points to keep the set within reach.
A big defensive play by No. 11 Kloe DeHoyas gave the Rebels another point and cut into the Gators’ lead. North Duplin continued to battle, eventually cutting the deficit to just one point and forcing another East Columbus timeout.
Coming out of the timeout, the Lady Rebels regained the lead and put themselves in position to close out the opening set.
No. 1 Tristyn Blust stepped up to serve and delivered when North Duplin needed it most, helping the Rebels score the final two points and secure a 25-23 victory in Set 1.
North Duplin Takes Control in Set Two
The Lady Rebels carried their momentum into the second set, with No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham opening at the service line. North Duplin capitalized immediately, taking the first point of the set.
East Columbus answered with a defensive play by No. 6 Naveah Brown at the net, and the two teams continued trading points early. The Gators eventually tied the score before taking a brief lead.
North Duplin quickly answered back, evening the score before a big play by No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham put the Rebels back in front.
From there, the Lady Rebels began to take control.
North Duplin steadily built its advantage, eventually taking a commanding 21-10 lead. East Columbus continued fighting and managed to add another point, but the Rebels remained composed.
North Duplin finished the set strong, scoring the final points to claim a convincing 25-11 victory and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
Lady Rebels Finish the Sweep
With the match within reach, North Duplin opened the third set with another strong defensive play from No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham to take the first point.
East Columbus answered with a point of its own, but the Lady Rebels quickly established an 8-5 advantage.
The Lady Gators continued to fight, using defensive plays at the net to stay within striking distance. The teams traded points throughout the set as East Columbus attempted to extend the match.
The Gators cut North Duplin’s lead to within four points, but No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham came up with another big play to keep the Lady Rebels in control.
East Columbus continued to battle at the net, with No. 8 Addy Spaulding making a defensive play to earn another point for the Gators. North Duplin responded with another point of its own to maintain the advantage.
The Lady Gators refused to go away quietly, holding off North Duplin at match point and keeping the third set alive.
But the Rebels’ defense came through when it mattered most.
After East Columbus served, North Duplin answered with a big defensive play to close out the set, 25-19, completing the three-set sweep.
Rebels Complete the Sweep
North Duplin finished the night with a 25-23, 25-11, 25-19 victory over East Columbus. After surviving a tightly contested opening set, the Lady Rebels settled in, controlled the second set and closed out the match behind strong defensive play and timely performances throughout the lineup.
Post Interview
Rebels Lock In When It Mattered Most
After the match, I had the opportunity to speak with two key players, No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham and No. 4 Maggie Brown, who both highlighted the team’s strong serving and determination throughout the match.
Higginbotham said the team’s ability to come out strong with its serves helped set the tone early. She also admitted that nerves affected her early in the match, but she was able to settle in and find her rhythm.
“I struggled a little because of nerves, but I locked in and found my rhythm,” Higginbotham said. “I was able to make plays defensively and with my serves to help my team get the win.”
Brown made her presence felt at the net, delivering key defensive plays and attacking kills when her team needed them. Her focus throughout the match remained simple: help her teammates and find a way to win.
“I was just trying to get the win and make my team proud,” Brown said.
Both players credited their teammates and the support from the fans for helping fuel the team’s performance. They also gave special recognition to head coach Heather Lawson for her leadership and commitment to developing the team both on and off the court.
“We want to thank our fans and give a special thank you to Coach Heather for being our coach and pushing us to be better players on the court and off the court,” the players said.