Powell's 18 kills leads Lady Cats

Valdese- The home opener for the Draughn volleyball team started off nicely with an opening set win over Avery County.

The visiting Lady Vikings gave push to the Lady Wildcats but persevered to a three-set victory behind 18 total kills by Kirsten Powell.

Powell had a stretch of three consecutive kills twice in Tuesday's home game while also connecting on a third set serving ace.

"I felt we started out strong but started laying back," said Powell. "I feel we are coming out strong (this season) and we will get better."

Avery led the second set as much as 10-7 and 12-8 as Powell recorded four kills to gain a 16-15 lead.

Chloe Gary (dig), Hannah Copeland (serve ace), Bailey Bryant (kill), and Haygen Sigmon (block) made key plays to close out the set for a 2-0 advantage.

Avery scored the first point of set three but didn't hold a lead long thanks to serves from Sara Walker and Maddie Nelson building an 8-2 lead that was never lost.

Alexis Crump also recorded a serving ace for the Lady Wildcats (3-1).

Draughn also won the JV matchup in two sets (25-15, 25-10).

The Lady Wildcats continue non-conference action on the road Thursday vs Alexander Central.

-VERSE OF THE DAY-

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God"

-Matthew 5:8 (CSB)

Avery             6        19       13

Draughn       25       25       25

(Chloe Gary sets up a return for Georgia Goulding) (David Harmon)

(Kirsten Powell prepares to deliver a kill) (David Harmon)