Aycock spikes Southern Wayne in straight sets
3 min read
DUDLEY — When coronavirus hit in March of this year, there wasn’t a chance for high school sports to honor the seniors who had given their time and sweat to for four years.
Even though this volleyball season was allowed to start, the foundation has been uneasy, as COVID-19 has not gotten better — we’ve just learned to live with it. But for now, we have a season and the Southern Wayne volleyball team wants make sure they honor all the seniors, even the ones that aren’t on their team.
On Thursday November 19, the Saints (0-1) honored not just their seniors, but the county-rival C.B. Aycock’s (1-1) as well.
“Before the season, I was talking to my assistant coach, and we wanted to do something for [the seniors] every home game,” Southern Wayne head coach Jamie Williams said. “At any point it can get taken away. It did for spring sports, and that was difficult to witness. So every home game, we will honor them.”
Every Southern Wayne home game will be senior night for both teams. Williams said she has her underclassmen share a funny story or memory about each senior. The idea may be the theme of the season as no one knows if there will be another game.
“It’s nice to have recognition because you don’t know if the season will end,” C.B. Aycock senior Abbey Thomas said. “I think it’s a really great idea that they (Southern Wayne) have. I’m glad we’re actually getting to play — we were worried for a little bit.”
On the floor, the Falcons won in straight sets (25-18, 25-19, 25-18), but from the demeanor of both coaches after the game seemed to be the exact opposite. Williams beamed as her team fell down quickly in each set and battled back to make the set close.
While C.B. Aycock’s head coach,Kimberly Hughes, did not seem enthusiastic about her team’s performance. But Hughes noted the reason the Saints were able to comeback in each set was because the Falcons’ conditioning is not up to par. Not only due to lack of practice and offseason, but because of the new mask mandate handed down by the NCHSAA — one week into the young season.
“It’s a disadvantage to all the girls — I mean, they can’t breathe,” Hughes said. “It’s something else for us to be concerned with, but I understand they have to do it. But I’m not happy with the fact we spent all of October, and yesterday was the first time they played with a mask on their face.”
The Falcons will return to action Monday against New Bern. The Saints will play Eastern Wayne on Monday.
