Lady Blue Devils Close First Week With Narrow Loss at Elizabethton
by STEVE WILMOTH
TriCitiesSports.com
August 17, 2017
The Unicoi County Lady Blue Devils ended the first week of the 2017 volleyball season with a tough loss at Elizabethton but the prospects for the rest of the season increased with the return of senior setter Rachel Lynch.
Lynch was released from medical rehab on Wednesday and place in the second set against the Lady Cyclones. After dropping the first set 25-14, Unicoi County took Elizabethton to the wire in the next two before succumbing 25-23 and 29-27.
“Her appearance against Elizabethton sparked energy from her fellow teammates,” said Unicoi County coach Leann Lane. “Her leadership on the court was well needed and will definitely be an asset for the rest of the season.”
The season started on Monday with a three-set loss to Greeneville, 25-23, 25-21, 25-15.
Katelyn Bennett tallied six kills and nine digs for the Lady ‘Devils while Sarah Grace Larky went for five kills and seven assists and Emily Lamie three kills and nine digs.
In the home and conference opener on Tuesday, Unicoi County swept past Johnson County 25-19, 25-21, 25-15.
Bennett added six more kills against the Lady ‘Horns with Larkey knocking down five kills. Chloe Power came up with 15 digs. Emily Lamie added six with Alex Reynoso and Blake Hall notching five apiece.
Bennett had eight more kills against Elizabethton and also came away with five digs. Larky produced seven kills with Powers making 16 digs and Lamie 12.
“We are doing a fantastic job of playing together as a team and continue to accomplish the goal on not missing more than two serves per game,” added Lane. “I'm very excited about how this first week has went despite losing a couple of matches. We learn from each loss and it is only going to make us better in the long run.”