Pamlico volleyball rich in senior leadership

BAYBORO - With momentum in favor of the opposition on Tuesday night, the senior-dominated Pamlico County volleyball team was determined not to let West Craven leave with a victory.

Pamlico won the first two games, but let the Eagles comeback and force a fifth game. Despite falling behind by four points in the final game, the experience of the Hurricanes rallied them to victory.

With the close call out of the way, the Pamlico players are confident they compete in close games.

"We learned a lot, just because we were under pressure and came out of it," senior Hannah Ritchie said.

"I know these girls are not going to crack under pressure ever again, especially in our house," first-year coach Missy Blazina added.

After finishing 10-8 last season and earning a trip to the 1-A state playoffs, the Hurricanes have realistic goals of returning. However, this time they are hoping to advance past the first round.

"If we can play like that, then we can make it to the playoffs," Ritchie said. "If we keep working hard if practice, we will make it."

Blazina takes over a team at Pamlico with five seniors, four juniors and two sophomores.

Blazina knows the success of her team rides on the leadership of those five seniors - Ritchie, Mel Fuentes, Lacee Harper, Jessie Cuthrell and Laveita Clay.

"I would give them a lot of credit," Blazina said. "When we get down, I always see them talking, giving each other high-fives, getting everybody else back up. I picked some pretty good leaders this year."

After each timeout, the team huddles together for words of encouragement. According to Fuentes, that is what makes the chemistry on and off the court blossom.

"Every time before every break, we come together and we pump everybody up and talk to each other," she said. "We tell each other that if they make a mistake, we try to cheer them up."

The leadership on the court showed on Tuesday, especially in the final game. With sophomore Kaylah Blount ready to serve up the game-winning points, Harper calmed her teammate down.

Blount recorded the next two service points, helping Pamlico (1-1) to its first win of the season.

Also contributing for the Hurricanes are juniors Ashton Spruill, Kaitlyn Lee, Savannah Ellenberg and Cinthya Lugo.

Blazina is also impressed with the play of Blount and Leigh Ward, both playing on varsity for the first time.

Ward recorded 24 service points against West Craven.

"My two sophomores, Leigh and Kaylah, play excellent," Blazina said. "They both have excellent serves. I am very proud."

According to Fuentes, the biggest strength for the Hurricanes is the passing, setting up the hitters.

"We've got a lot of returning seniors that are good passers," Fuentes said. "We have a strong back row, which leads to a strong front row. We have some really good hitters up front."

After the narrow victory on Tuesday, the Hurricanes are viewing it as a confidence-builder. They host Southside on Monday, a team that beat Pamlico last Monday.

Adam Thompson can be reached at (252) 635-5670 or at athompson@freedomenc.com