By Michael Lindsay
UCR’s inaugural volleyball game of the week featured the previous two District 7AA champions Tuesday night as Livingston Academy hosted Upperman and defeated the Lady Bees, 3-1.
“It feels good,” said Livingston head coach Christie Jenkins. “My sister asked me today if I was nervous for this one and I told her ‘Nope. Win or lose, they’re a good team and we’re a good team.’ We still have a lot of work to do on offense.”
Livingston won the first two sets 25-22 and 25-17 before Upperman stormed back to win the third set, 25-15. The teams battled through the fourth set before Livingston took the set 26-24 to win the match, 3-1.
It was Upperman who opened the first set hot on a quick 4-0 run. LA withstood the Bees’ run to retake a 6-5 lead. The teams were tied at 14 before LA closed the set strong to secure the 25-22 victory.
Upperman again led the set early as the Lady Bees took a 5-2 lead before Livingston responded with an 8-1 run to take a 10-6 lead. The Lady Wildcats pushed their advantage out to double-digits (22-12) later in the set before ultimately winning the second, 25-17.
“Some things we discussed on Monday (against Gordonsville) were things we wanted to do tonight,” Jenkins said. “We tried to make sure their setter didn’t get a good second hit. If we could keep their setters off we could win.”
Facing a sweep in the third set, Upperman stormed out to take a 12-7 lead midway through the frame. The Lady Bees kept their foot on the gas and won the third set, 25-15.
A neck-and-neck start to the fourth set saw the teams tied at 10 with neither holding more than a 3-point lead in the set.
Upperman pushed ahead 20-18 before back-to-back points by Lainey Dishman and Mallie Carwile tied the game at 20.
Victory was one point away from Livingston as they held a 24-21 lead before Upperman responded with a 3-0 run to tie it at 24.
“I was telling them to dig deep and don’t let anything hit the floor,” Jenkins said. “I yell at them, but I try to be positive and be their biggest cheerleader.”
After an Upperman block went out of bounds, the Lady Wildcats closed off the 26-24 set victory via a block at the net to win the match, 3-1.
“Kenley Webb, my setter, always plays well,” Jenkins added. “Sydney Moffitt passed it well. Our hitting was okay, but I feel like we have so much more growth there on offense.”
Moffitt was also named Nelson Trophy and Screen Printing player of the match.
Both teams will stay in District 7AA competition on Thursday as Livingston Academy (5-0) hosts Cumberland County and Upperman (3-3) hosts Stone Memorial.
