Lady Cyclones knock out Lady Patriots in three straight sets
Published 12:02 am Thursday, September 19, 2019
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Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Kaitlin Bailey (23) and Brittany Kitchens (20) play the net perfectly as they block the volleyball back to the Sullivan East side of the net.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Elizabethton's Hannah Boster sends the ball back across the net just over the extended hands of the Lady Patriot defense.
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Elizabethton's Maddie Davis (4) and Brittany Kitchens (20) go up to attempt a block on a return shot by Sullivan East.
BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR SPORTS EDITOR
In their first meeting of the season, the Elizabethton Lady Cyclones lost focus and as a result, the Sullivan East Lady Patriots took advantage and defeated the Lady Cyclones inside the Dyer Dome.
On Tuesday, the two teams hooked up for a rematch and the action was just as hot on the floor as it was in the stands as in an emotional contest, the Lady Cyclones dealt the Lady ‘Pats a 25-17, 25-20, 25-20 defeat to run their season Three Rivers Conference record to 6-1 and a tie with Sullivan South for the conference lead.
“It was a big conference win,” said an elated head coach Leslee Bradley. “East and us have had a rivalry for several years now so we knew coming in this was going to be a big match.
“It’s always a big match as far as conference standings go, so just really, really pleased with the focus and the effort that the girls gave tonight. To be able to beat them 3-0 is a big thing.”
If there was a conference MVP this season, Elizabethton senior Morgan Smith would have to be at the front of the class as the senior continues to lead by her play on the court and Tuesday was no different as she collected 15 kills and 11 defensive digs in the match.
There was plenty of help as Libro Deanna Hull added 21 defensive digs on the evening while Hannah Boster and Brittany Kitchens contributed with six and five kills respectively.
Bradley was asked if the loss suffered to Science Hill may have been the result of her team looking ahead to today’s conference showdown.
“It could have been a little bit. We don’t get as emotionally involved in our non-conference matches even though there are a whole lot of people in Elizabethton who would love to see us beat Johnson City,” stated Bradley.
“The girls don’t feel that – the girls feel conference matches, and so they put their heart and soul into tonight. Science Hill was an incredible team and the pace they played the game with last night, really helped us read the ball well today.
“The ball was just a tad bit slower today so having the frustration against Science Hill that we had yesterday helped us to be ready for today.”
When pointing out the key to the win over East, Bradley said it came down to heart.
“The overall key was heart,” Bradley commented. “We were determined not to let any ball hit the floor and we made really intelligent decisions. I think that comes with heart and being focused.”
The Lady Cyclones stand at 14-9-0 overall with the 6-1 conference record. Next week is a big week for Elizabethton as they travel to Sullivan Central who has two conference losses on Thursday and Sullivan South for the big conference showdown on Tuesday.
