The Pam Pack struggled in its Eastern Plains Conference opener as it ran into an explosive Farmville Central team that rolled to a 25-23, 25-12, 25-19 win over Washington on Tuesday.
Led by a dominant effort up front by middle hitter Alyssa Pitt, who had a game-high 13 kills, the Jaguars (7-1,1-0) were able to sweep a short-handed Pam Pack team that was minus middle hitter Adriana Tyson.
“I felt like our girls came out here prepared tonight to play Farmville Central but we just fell short,” Washington coach Kelly Slade said. “We just didn’t have a good day today, but I think we are very strong team and a skilled team and we will rebound and have a better game on Thursday.”
Washington started the year with a thin roster and with Tyson out the Pam Pack struggled to combat a sturdy Jaguars team.
“Farmville Central had a really strong line,” Slade said. “They have an excellent middle hitter and she did her job in the middle. She made it hard to hit around her and she’s a really good volleyball player and she had a great game tonight.
“Right now we aren’t as deep as we were when started the season, but I feel like the group we have can get the job done. They work really well together, we just had an off day today.”
Pam Pack (2-6, 0-1) was led by middle hitter Megan Corey, who had seven kills, while Ann Hunt Tanner had five assists.
“Megan Corey had one of the best games that I’ve seen her have all season,” Slade said. “She was extremely aggressive up at the net and she was aggressive on her serves and was a leader on the court.”
Washington challenged the Jaguars early, falling 25-23, but lost the second game 25-12 before losing 25-19 in the third.
“The first game we went out and we were very focused,” Slade said. “We worked really well together and we covered a lot of balls. But, I think as the game progressed the other team found our weaknesses and some holes on the court.”
The Pam Pack’s short roster has opened the door for some of the younger players to get time and so far they have made the most of their minutes.
“Meghan Moore is a freshman and she was able to get in a little bit and also Charity Gardner got in. Both of those girls have been really impressive on JV,” Slade said. “Charity will go out and out-hustle anyone on the court. She may be small but she will jump up and get some blocks.
“… Also, Sydney Edwards is just a ball of fire. I have her as my libero now and she’s just a freshman. She’s made some key digs for us and some key passes.”