North Lenoir sweeps second straight opponent to start volleyball season

North Lenoir’s Kennedy Sullivan goes up for a serve during the Hawks’ straight-sets victory over Southern Wayne Tuesday. Photo by T.J. Edwards / Mount Olive Tribune

By Junious Smith III

DUDLEY — There was no slow start to hold North Lenoir back Tuesday.

The Hawks never trailed in a 25-16, 25-12, 25-15 victory over Southern Wayne, their second straight-sets win to open the season. North Lenoir coach Heather Carson said there were some nerves early in the team’s win over Southwest Edgecombe Monday, but the element never showed up against the Saints (0-2).

“We started slow Monday and each game got better from there,” Carson said. “We had to play from behind there, but in this one we attacked well, the defense was great and so were our serves.”

Paytyn Jones’ block triggered a 5-1 start for North Lenoir (2-0), and after Southern Wayne scored the next two points, the Hawks had a 6-0 spurt — highlighted by two Jones service aces, along with two Reena Parris kills and a spike from Kanijah Taylor. Southern Wayne wouldn’t get within six from there.

Jones’ two kills combined with Kennedy Sullivan’s pair of service aces put North Lenoir ahead 4-0 in the second set. Southern Wayne narrowed the gap to 6-4, but the Hawks scored the next 11, highlighted by a trio of Jones aces and two Parris kills. The Saints wouldn’t get within nine for the remainder of the set.

“The setters did a great job, which allowed us to find spots in the defense and make plays,” Jones said.

North Lenoir never relented, starting the third set on a 6-0 run. Southern Wayne got within 14-10, but the Hawks coasted and Jones’ kill ended the contest.

Parris said the team executed in all facets of the game, leading to the big win.

“Our serving was the best, by far,” Parris said. “Our defense was great, along with our passing and digs, and we played really well in spurts.”

North Lenoir’s next game is at home against Goldsboro Aug. 27.