Kicking off their second go-through in Region 4-AA volleyball in the same manner as it did the first half of the campaign, North Central took a 3-0 win over visiting Buford in a Thursday night match played inside The Castle in Boonetown.
The Lady Knights, who were coming off a championship in their own Carolina Challenge played five days earlier, got the past Yellow Jackets, 25-19, 27-25 and 26-26.
The sweep gave Andy Johnson and company a 10-0 record in dual matches and a 7-0 4-AA ledger.
Madeline Pate, a senior outside hitter, led a big night for NC’s trio of returning all-state selections as she had 26 digs to go along with 1 kills. Erin Humphries, a senior outside hitter, had a double-double as she had 14 digs to go along with 11 kills while senior middle hitter Ambi Wood, like Pate and Humphries an all-stater as a junior, found the floor with a match-best 14 kills while adding a block and three digs. Sophomore setter Logan Coates dished out 32 assists while coming up with four digs and a kill while sophomore defensive specialist Kelsie Gardner had 27 digs and an assist. Another sophomore, Alexis Hackworth, had eight digs and an ace with junior Alexis Williamson serving up a trio of aces while adding three digs and an assist.
The Lady Knights will put their unbeaten record on the line tonight when they travel to meet 4A West Florence in a tri-match which also includes AAA entry Hartsville. Starting time is set for 5:30 p.m.
Dig Pink match: On Tuesday, Chesterfield comes to The Castle for a 6:45 p.m. conference match which also marks the Lady Knights’ “Dig Pink” celebration.
The annual fundraising night, which begins with the junior varsity match at 5 p.m., is designed to promote awareness and provide support for those battling or having overcome breast cancer. Proceeds from the evening with go toward the “Side-Out Foundation” which is a leader in the fight against the deadly disease.
NC team members are asking fans of both schools to come dressed in pink attire with the “pinkest” fan being awarded a prize. Fans can also participate in a “Serving for a Cure” game to win prizes. Donations will also be accepted throughout the evening.