NMCC survives South Pemiscot in three sets

Lady Eagles top Lady Bulldogs to improve to 3-6-2

sd_sports@yahoo.com

NEW MADRID -- When the New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles were able to connect with their passes, their front row hitters were able to capitalize.

"We've got some strong hitters," NMCC head coach Jenny Sexton said. "That's a potential strength for us, if we utilize it. It all starts with passing."

The Lady Eagles survived the visiting South Pemiscot Lady Bulldogs on Monday night coming back from a second set loss to win 2-1 (25-20, 20-25, 25-18).

Despite four ties in the first set, the Lady Eagles never relinquished their lead. The latest tie was when it reached 20-20 after a hit out of bounds gave South Pemiscot a point. However, a hit out of bounds by the Lady Bulldogs gave NMCC the lead right back as they went on to score five-straight points to take the first set.

NMCC's Karen McGlosson lead the Lady Eagles with four kills in the first set while Kelly Robey added two kills and two blocks.

The second set would have a slightly different look for the Lady Eagles, as South Pemiscot gained an 11-10 lead and did not let up until NMCC fought back to tie it at 17-17. The combination of South Pemiscot's Shelby Booker and Carrie Shephard led the Lady Bulldogs to their second set win, 25-20.

"In the second set our passing disappeared," said Sexton. "We were passing great in the first game and we were able to get our hitters set up. (Hitting) was one of our strength's tonight, but, we can't hit without our passes."

The Lady Eagles passing improved in the third set as McGlosson and Robey continued to make things happen up front and in the serve department.

After taking a 10-9 lead midway through the last set, NMCC took a commanding 20-13 lead including six-straight points by the Lady Eagles.

McGlosson ended the match with three consecutive aces at the serve position.

"We started out slow with our passing, but we finished up strong," Sexton said of the third set. "We were able to handle the pressure. We got our serves in and it got everything rolling."

McGlosson led the Lady Eagles with eight kills and four aces while Robey chipped in a total six kills, four blocks and two aces.

NMCC (3-6-2) will host Cape Central tonight.