V-Ball picks up easy win
The Liberty Flames volleyball team dominated the Campbell Camels Friday night,Oct. 5, in three quick sets (25-13, 25-18, 25-19).
Alumni, students and parents spent their Friday night at the Vines Center cheering on the Lady Flames. The win now puts them at winning nine straight home matches overall and 16 conference home contests in a row.
“We just wanted to come in and win, obviously because it was a conference match. We came up with the mind set to execute and do our best,” senior Loren Thomas said.
Service — Libero Gabrielle Shipe began a rally in the match against Campbell. Photo credit: Kate Welch
Liberty started off strong in the first set with an easy victory over Campbell (25-13). Freshman Caroline Douglas, junior Lillie Happel and Thomas all recorded three kills on the set.
The second set had fans on the edge of their seats with 10 ties and six lead changes throughout.
“We let a lot of our errors dictate the game, so halfway through that game, we realized we needed to execute our part,” Douglas said.
The Lady Flames did execute their part and were able to cap off the win over the Camels. Douglas recorded a set high seven kills, while Thomas added four more to the teams 17 total.
Campbell was out matched, losing by 11 points at a moment during the final set. Thomas ended the match with a kill, and the Lady Flames were able to clinch another conference win. The Flames now advance to 3-1 in the Big South Conference with Campbell following 0-4.
Liberty surpassed Campbell in attacks with an average of .312 to .106. Douglas totaled 16 kills on the match while Thomas added nine and Happel seven. Junior Jade Craycraft totaled 30 assists, 11 digs and five kills.
“It obviously all rides on my team,” Douglas said. “If they are not behind me, I can’t do what I do, so it’s just great to have that support system.”
Douglas was named Big South Freshman of the Week for the second time this season.
“The future looks pretty good in her position because she has only been playing it 19 times in her life, so she is still learning and trying to figure things out, but her learning curve is pretty quick. She makes me look like a good coach,” Pinder said concerning Douglas.
The Lady Flames will travel to Charleston, S.C. on Oct. 12 as they try to keep their conference-winning streak alive against Charleston Southern at 7 p.m..