Volleyball opens strong in first home event of 2020-21 school year
Home openers are always something a team looks forward to; however, this year amid COVID-19 postponements and the cancellation of the winter sports season, the first home “fall” athletic event was even sweeter.
The Tunstall Trojan Volleyball teams hosted Halifax on Thursday, March 4. The JV team led off with a quick 25-21, 25-14 win. The varsity team followed with 25-13, 25-11, 25-17.
Coach Cheryl Cockram is in her first season as the varsity head coach. Cockram coached JV for 4 years.
“I’m excited to be the varsity head coach. I’ve been working with many of the players since they entered the program.”
COVID restrictions were in effect for the game with limited spectators, social distancing, masking, and cleaning between the JV and varsity games.
Cockram acknowledges that there are additional challenges coaching during COVID. “It has been challenging, but we have a great group of girls. We’re so excited to have spectators and have the parents able to watch for the first time.”
Senior KK Stevens led the team with 27 assists . It was a busy day for Stevens who signed to play with Averett University earlier today.
“It feels amazing to be playing at home. Today has been really hectic, but great. We’re really hoping to get a win in our first game,” Stevens said before the game.
Kaylee Scarce led the team with 14 kills while Brooklyn Owen added 4 kills and 14 digs. Emma Howell and Malia Bailey contributed 5 and 4 digs, respectively. Emily Austin added 4 aces.
Senior Adrien Glass echoed the thoughts of many players. “It felt so great to play our first home game. I was pretty nervous but excited.”
Due to limited spectator capacity, the event was also lived-streamed through the NFHS website for a subscription fee of $10.99 per month.
On Monday the volleyball teams traveled to play at Magna Vista in the first game of the season. This was also a sweep with the JV team winning 25-21, 25-18.
The varsity team won 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 led by Stevens with 21 assists, Scarce with 11 kills, Austin with 11 kills, and Owen with 7 kills.
The team was only officially formed on Wednesday, February 24; however, much of the team played together during travel season.
The varsity team will host George Washington High School on Tuesday, March 9 at 5:30. This event will also be live streamed.
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