Using different lineups and getting big plays from young, secondary talent was the key in Warren Central sweeping Greenville in three games Thursday 25-12, 25-4, 25-22. It was the second time the two teams matched up this season and the second time the Lady Vikes won in three games.

“We played them earlier and this time they were a lot better. They’re building a program and their coach is a good guy,” Warren Central head coach Matt Gullett said. “Greenville has a new coach and some new players. They have two 6-foot juniors who returned the ball well, but experience-wise the team is still building.”

Gullett said this was a great night for his seniors. The Lady Vikes improved their record to 7-7 overall and are undefeated in their district.

Aquarius Crook and Sydney Stuart were the unsung heroes of the night. Crook had six aces and Stuart had four kills in the final set, and four other Lady Vikes had three aces each.

The defense saw 57 digs, with Taylor Smith recording the most.

Gullett commended Crook and Stuart for being able to play big minutes they might not be accustomed to and be difference makers.

“Aquarius had a gorgeous game tonight. She had some great front row and back row play. Her and Stuart had really great plays,” Gullett said.

In the first game the Lady Vikes had solid, powerful serve receptions to win 25-12. They kept their energy levels high and turned up for the second game.

The big difference in the first two games was serving. Warren Central held Greenville to four points. This is where Gullet began to use different lineups and players like Crook and Stuart.

Gullet said his players started serving harder and became more aggressive.

“I mixed in some of my juniors and seniors who don’t get to play as much in the second game. Stuart had several spectacular kills, had great serves, played great at the net and had four assists as well,” Gullett said. “I think that was the big thing that turned the second game the way it was.”

After being down by 10 points in the final game, the Lady Vikes continued to rely on young players to pull off the sweep winning 25-22.

The next game is against in-town rival Vicksburg High on Tuesday, which will be a precursor to the Friday night football game.

“We’re really looking forward to it. Aimee (Scribner) is a great coach and did a lot with the program last year. Happy to see them doing good and turning the program around. It’s some good competition and hoping it’s a good crowd,” Gullett said. “Folks will see good volleyball on both sides and see a good preview of the Friday night grudge match on Tuesday.”

 

VHS swept by Germantown

Despite a solid defensive effort, the Vicksburg Missy Gators dropped another match against Germantown in three games Thursday, 25-14, 25-11, 25-10.

“Kind of ran out of steam at the end. They try and you can tell they’re getting frustrated,” said Vicksburg head coach Aimee Scribner.

While Germantown isn’t quite as tall as Ridgeland, their experience got the best of the Missy Gators.

Communication is still proving to be a problem, but it’s getting better as the season progresses.

“These girls work on it every day. It’s a team-bonding thing and we still have a long way to go with it,” Scribner said.

The Missy Gators had big plays at the net and are playing better as a team.

“Last year it would’ve been a point for the other team,” Scribner said

She said the talent is there to compete with more experienced teams, and is proud of her team for staying in games.

“These girls they play against, play volleyball year-round. We only get to work with them certain times of the year and the competition is higher than they’re used to,” Scribner said.

She wants the community to support the turnaround.

“They’re starting a legacy here and this is a team where they’re working hard,” Scribner said.

“They’ve made a statement and are not here to lay down. I hope the community comes out to see the work they’ve done from the summer until now.”