The Carson High volleyball team celebrates after winning match point against Reed at home Wednesday night.
Photo by Carter Eckl.
Carson High volleyball got to celebrate its first win of the season on its home floor Wednesday evening against Reed in four sets – 25-21, 25-16, 18-25, 25-16.
The victory was also the first for Senators’ head coach Brittany Witter, while at the helm.
After dropping the third set, Witter and the Senators were just looking to get back into the groove of the first two sets.
“It was going back to what had helped us win the first two games,” said Witter. “The third game we didn’t run our offense enough.”
An ace and a hustling dig from setter Olivia Smith got Carson started in the fourth set with a 3-0 lead.
Anna Turner put away one of her team-best 13 kills moments later to give the Senators a 6-1 edge.
“Serving has been a big focus of ours,” said Witter. “When you start the game well, you usually finish the game well.”
(Anna Turner (5) puts away one of her team-high 13 kills against Reed Wednesday night. Carter Eckl / Nevada Appeal)
The five-point cushion withstood over the fourth set before Grace Turner emphatically ended a long point with a kill off the floor to move Carson in front 17-12.
The Senators won five of the next six points before capping the match and getting the chance to celebrate in front of their home fans.
Grace Turner had nine kills for Carson in the win finishing four kills behind her younger sister.
“Between the two, we call them the power sisters,” joked Witter.
Sophomore middle Sarah Miller had six kills of her own on the attack while also posting three blocks that went unreturned.
Senior libero Caydee Farnworth picked up 13 digs over the course of the evening.
“It feels good. We needed this for our mental state, physical state and just energy to get back into the game again,” said Witter. “It was needed.”
The win comes without a senior captain for Carson in Shannen vonDuering, who has missed the last few games due to a concussion and is expected to return at the end of next week.
While the third set may have troubled the Senators, Carson didn’t have much trouble with the Raiders in the opening first two sets, taking them 25-21 and 25-16.
(Sarah Miller attacks a ball Wednesday evening during Carson volleyball's win over Reed. Carter Eckl / Nevada Appeal)
“We just want to use this to build some confidence. Our serving will continue to be a strength and our defense has been our strongest point,” said Witter. “Now that our offense is clicking, … I hope the confidence will carry them through and show them they are better than they’ve been playing.”
