North Surry was never challenged in downing North Stokes 3-0 in volleyball Tuesday.
“We have put together our best streak of play this season in the last three matches,” said Coach Shane Slate.
The Lady Greyhounds improved to 18-1, 11-0 in the Northwest Conference.
The Hounds jumped out to a 9-1 lead in the first set and drew a timeout from North Stokes Coach Christy Menear at 12-4. The Hounds cruised to a 25-13 win.
In the second set, the Lady Vikings took an early 3-1 lead, but North Surry went on a 10-2 run to draw another timeout.
The Vikings scored three straight to close to 17-11 later in the set, but the Hounds finished the game with an 8-1 burst for a 25-12 score. That run was highlighted by two hard slams by outside hitter Molly Martin.
Martin took advantage of a Viking pass that floated too far for the first kill, then on the next point she converted a nice pass from Bailey Culler.
In the third set, North Surry led 6-1 before the Vikings began playing fairly evenly. The score was just 13-8 when the Hounds seized the serve and got 10 straight points off Maddison Hawks’ serve. The Hounds won 25-9.
Hawks finished with five aces and 29-30 serving (97 percent). Martin was 12-12 with one ace.
“Our serving and block were strong tonight,” said Slate.”We pressured their serve-receive with aggressive jump serves and good ball placement with our target serving.”
As for the defense, he added, “We took full advantage of the height difference at the net with 24 blocks.”
Leading the way were Malaya Johnson with nine and Erin March with seven.
Johnson also led the team in kills with 13. Kristina Rumplasch added eight and Taylor Hill six. Culler set up the swings with 29 assists.
“Our ball control has been much better, and as a result, our offense has clicked,” he said. “We have maintained our focus much better as well, so we are stringing more positive plays together.”
On the back line Culler led the team with nine digs, and Martin added six.
“We will host Mount Airy in a match Thursday that will feature both teams supporting the fight against childhood diabetes by wearing navy blue head gear,” said Slate. “Please help us show our support by donating at the gate.”
Reach Jeff Linville at jlinville@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1920.







