By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
The Washington team’s woes continued on Wednesday as it lost in three sets to Southside, 25-17, 25-7, 25-14.
Washington (0-14) hung with the Seahawks (7-6) early, as it was able to produce a few small runs to stay in the game.
The Pam Pack serving was serviceable early, and after a Lilly Ann Arnold service point, Washington was able to tie the Seahawks at nine.
That would be the last time the two teams were deadlocked during the first game, as Southside slowly added to its lead as the game progressed.
Daneilya Whitney was a force up front, along with Mandi Harding and Marcrissa Carswell, while good serving from Dot Jones, Caitlyn Bogart, Kristen Ayers and Renika Hodges kept the ball on the Seahawks’ side of the court.
Washington worked hard to keep up behind the play of Blaklee Wolfe and Sarah Nicholls, but eventually fell 25-17.
Southside coach Elizabeth Pruden said she liked the energy and effort her team brought to the court on Wednesday.
Pam Pack coach Tara Hunter was pleased with her team’s play in the first game, but wasn’t happy with what she saw after that.
The second game got ugly quickly. With the score tied at 1, Southside’s Dot Jones picked up the ball and didn’t give it back until it was 18-1 in favor of the Seahawks.
During the 17-point run Jones nailed three aces, as a few Whitney kills were sprinkled in to keep the drive alive.
The Pack had trouble returning Jones’ serves all night, and when it did they had trouble setting up its attack.
Hunter said that developing a consistent offense is something that the team needs to work.
The Pack saw a slight improvement in the third game, but once again got off to a slow start.
Tied at one, the Seahawks Ayers lead her team on an 11-0 run that included four aces and a few Whitney spikes.
Washington showed some life late, as Arnold led it on a seven point run that featured one ace to cut the Seahawks’ lead to 19-12, but that’s as close as it would get.
Both teams will be back in action today, as Washington will play at West Craven and Southside will travel to Plymouth.