The Morning After: East & West Bladen Volleyball Secure Big Wins

BLADEN COUNTY, NC - Thursday night featured a packed slate across Bladen County.

West Bladen volleyball kept its momentum rolling, East Bladen varsity picked up another important win, and the Knights’ soccer team faced one of its toughest nights on the road.

West Bladen Volleyball

BLADENBORO, NC —

West Bladen varsity volleyball improved to 8-1 overall and 2-0 in Southeastern 3A/4A/5A Conference play after sweeping Fairmont in three sets.

The Knights controlled the match early with a 25-15 opening set, fought through a tight 26-24 battle in the second, and closed it out decisively 25-15 in the third.

At the net, Kimberly Dowless powered the attack with 7 kills and added 5 blocks. Natalee Sykes guided the offense with 7 assists, while also contributing an ace, a tip kill, and a dig. Greer Pope added balance with 7 assists of her own, plus 2 kills, a dig, and an ace.

The front row play was steady, with Halaina Conklin recording 4 kills, 2 tip kills, a dig, and an ace, while Makenna Thurman chipped in 3 kills, 2 tip kills, a dig, and an ace.

Defensively, Emmy Bryant anchored the back row with 7 digs, but also served tough with 3 aces and passed out 2 assists.

Karlee Gause stayed active on the front line with multiple attack attempts, though none landed for kills. Shanna filled the stat sheet with a kill, dig, and ace, while Brenna Hester picked up a back row kill. Jaylyn rounded out the attack with multiple front-row attempts and contributed 2 aces.

The Knights will resume conference play next week on the road at Red Springs Tuesday before returning home Thursday against South Columbus.

JV Recap

West Bladen’s JV team also improved to 7-1 on the season, taking a three-set win over Fairmont.

The Knights dominated the first set 25-5, slipped in the second 22-25, but regained control to clinch the deciding third 15-8.

“Too close for comfort, but they pulled it out!” said JV Head Coach Nikki Bryant after the victory.

The stat sheet showed contributions across the board. Addi Wilcox set the tone with 5 aces, 2 kills, 5 attacks, and 16 assists.

Bristol Allen added an ace, 2 kills, 2 attacks, and an assist, while Berkleigh Guy kept pressure on Fairmont with 4 aces, 2 kills, 2 attacks, and a dig. Kynslie Kinlaw was also effective, finishing with an ace, 3 kills, 3 attacks, and 10 assists.

In the back row, Chloe Walters tallied 4 assists and 4 digs. Hadley Dove stayed aggressive with 4 attack attempts, and Maycee Kinlaw scored 1 kill.

Makenna Bryan added 1 attack, while Abigail Dicicco served up 3 aces. Vera Valentiner turned in one of the most complete efforts of the night with 4 aces, 4 kills, 2 attacks, and an assist.

Additional contributions included Hailii Andrews with 2 attacks and an assist, plus Amiya McCarty-Macfield with 1 attack.

The Knights’ depth showed in their ability to close out the match despite dropping the middle set.

East Bladen Volleyball

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC — East Bladen’s varsity squad picked up a win Thursday night against Lakewood, a school that does not field a JV team.

With the victory, the Eagles moved to 3-2 in 1A/2A Carolina Conference play, continuing to build momentum as the season enters a critical stretch.

The Eagles will be back on the court Tuesday when they host East Columbus in their only game of the week.

Varsity stat updates from the match will be added when available.

West Bladen Soccer

ROSE HILL, NC — West Bladen’s soccer team endured its toughest match of the season Thursday, falling 7-1 on the road to Union. The Knights now sit at 2-5-1 overall as they wrap up non-conference play.

Union applied heavy pressure throughout the night, and while West Bladen fought hard, they could not keep the match within striking distance.

The Knights’ lone goal came from Diego Santos scored on an assist from Jason Velasquez.

This was the first game of the year that did not end as a one-score result, reflecting both Union’s efficiency and the Knights’ having several injuries, include their starting goalkeeper.

West Bladen will look to regroup and heal up before opening conference play next Wednesday at Whiteville.

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The Morning After: East & West Soccer Battle Strong Opponents