West Bladen Sweeps West Columbus in Straight Sets, Improve to 3-0

West Bladen celebrating a point. Photo by: LR Mixes 📸

CERRO GORDO, N.C. — The West Bladen varsity volleyball team put together a dominant performance on Monday afternoon, earning a clean 3-0 sweep over West Columbus on the road.

Behind strong serving, balanced attacking, and steady defense, the Lady Knights secured set wins of 25-11, 25-13, and 25-19 to improve their early-season momentum and continue their undefeated 3-0 start.

From the start, West Bladen controlled the pace of play with aggressive serving. Makenna Thurman led the charge at the service line, delivering six aces while also adding eight kills to power the Knights’ offense.

Greer Pope was a steady presence as setter, contributing five aces, one kill, and ten assists, while Natalee Sykes added seven assists, a kill, an ace, and a dig to keep the attack flowing.

The Knights showed their depth at the net with multiple hitters stepping up. Helaina Conklin tallied three aces and five kills, while Kimberly Dowless chipped in three aces and four kills.

Jaylyn Clark made her presence felt with four kills, two blocks, and an ace, while Brenna Hester added two aces and a dig to round out a balanced team effort.

On the back line, libero Emmy Bryant anchored the defense with six digs and added four assists and an ace, helping the Knights transition quickly into offense. Tahlela Bethea contributed a kill and a block, while Shanna Lewis finished with two kills and a dig.

“We’ve been focusing on consistency and energy, and tonight the team really executed,” Head Coach Jessica Rhodes said. “I’m proud of how everyone stepped up and contributed across the board.”

West Bladen will host East Bladen on Wednesday.

JV Picks Up a Sweep of Their Own

The West Bladen JV squad matched the varsity energy with a straight-set victory of their own, defeating West Columbus 25-18 and 25-18.

Addi Wilcox led the way with 11 aces, one kill, four attacks, and several assists, setting the tone early with aggressive serving.

Berkleigh Guy followed with three kills and seven attacks, contributing several key assists as well. Libero Chloe Walters impressed defensively, recording three digs and an attack.

Freshman Hadley Dove added a kill and an attack, while Maycee Kinlaw contributed an attack and an assist.

Makenna Bryan chipped in an assist and a dig, Abigail Dicicco tallied an attack, and Abigail Dew added two attacks of her own. Rounding out the effort, Amiya McCarty-Macfield delivered six aces and two attacks to help seal the win.

Coach Bryant praised the group effort, saying, “We’re working on growing the whole team, and I’m proud that everyone got the chance to step in and contribute to this win.”

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West Bladen Sweeps West Columbus in Straight Sets, Improve to 3-0