ZEPHYR COVE - The Carson Senators used their size, experience, and exceptional blocking ability to sweep Whittell High, handing the Warriors their first defeat in Nevada since 2003 - 25-9, 25-18 and 27-25.
In the first game, mistakes hurt the Warriors, as the 4A Senators, who had participated in a tournament in Las Vegas this past weekend, displayed poise and teamwork to dominate the opener.
The second game looked more like the Warriors of old, as seniors Kendra Koskin and Jordan Reeder each recorded key kills to keep Whittell close. The Senators' tenacity was just too much as Carson cruised to the seven-point win.
In the third game, the Warriors, who were playing their first match of the year, fell behind 23-14 on a Carson block, but refused to give up. A roof by Jacquelyn Baines, followed by a Koskin tip gave Whittell a 25-24 lead. The Senators scored the last three points to sweep the match.
For the Senators, Blaike King had five kills and nine digs, Shannon Earwood made seven blocks and power server Mavil Diaz recorded six aces.
"It was OK for the first game," said Carson coach Shana Wilkins. "We did what had to be done to control the game."
For the four-time defending 2A champion Warriors, it was a tough beginning.
"We didn't play well together. The girls need to learn to play more as a team," Whittell coach Danny McLaughlin said. "Carson's a good team and played well. They took advantage of our errors."
Koskin led the Warriors with nine kills, followed by Reeder with eight. Brittney Makara had nine digs with Brette Harrington recording two aces. Isabel Concha-Foley led Whittell in blocks with three, followed by Lauren Andrew and Jacquelyn Baines with two apiece.