Maplesville volleyball finds first win of season

Published 9:53 am Friday, September 9, 2016

By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

Maplesville volleyball defeated Autaugaville Thursday, Sept. 8. The Red Devils won three sets to Autaugaville’s one. The Red Devils are now 1-2 for the season.

The match started with Maplesville taking an early lead in the first set at 14-7, but their opponent hung in there and answered the next six points. After the teams battled to 20-13, the Red Devils quickly pulled ahead, ending the set at 25-15.

The second set opened with a hard fought score by Maplesville. The two teams answered almost point for point, taking the score up to 26-26 before Autaugaville dug deep and won the second set by two at 26-28.

The Red Devils had an intense meeting on the players’ bench between sets and resolved to pull out a win.

The third set was much like the second, and went almost point for point until the score was tied at 22-22. Then a kill from Janiya Moore gave the Devils the serve. Allison Jones served as the Devils won three straight points and gained a one set lead.

The fourth set was a tour de force by the Red Devils. After a battle that left the score at 5-4, Macey James served up eight points in a row, including an ace.

Macey James serving one of eight consecutive points by Maplesville in the fourth set of their match with Autaugaville on Sept. 8.(Photo by Steven Calhoun)

Macey James serving one of eight consecutive points by Maplesville in the fourth set of their match with Autaugaville on Sept. 8.(Photo by Steven Calhoun)

The Red Devils would maintain a lead until the final score of 25-11, sealing the victory.

The athletes had an impressive performance. Janiya Moore led the team in kills with seven for the night. Allison Jones had 15 serves in with one ace and eight assists. Bailee Connell had five aces for the night.

Coach Kerri Payne said she thinks the girls are ready for their match against Thorsby next week if they keep their heads in the game.