Published: August 15, 2008 01:22 pm            

Somerset volleyball downs Lady Maroons

Lady Jumpers’ win over Pulaski 1st in program history

Somerset — There is a first time for everything. Last night for the first time in the short volleyball history of Somerset, not only won a set against Pulaski County, but the defeated the Maroons 2-1.

Early, it looked like Somerset was going to get volleyed right out of their home. Like the other night against Lincoln County, Pulaski jumped out early thanks to great serves and loud fans.

"They were loud tonight. I was really happy with Pulaski County's fan turn out. They came and cheered their team and it had are team some what shell shocked," said head coach Kevin Burkett after the game.

Pulaski was on fire leading by as many as 15 in the first set. Heather Ping and Amanda Blanton were throwing down aces the way the New England Patriots picked up wins.

The Maroons were so dominate in the first set; they out aced the Jumpers 8-0.

"They did a great job serving. We need didn't do a good job returning. They came out ready to play."

Somerset jumped on the Maroons early in the second set taking a 7-3 lead. After a Maroons’ time out, Somerset continued to add to their lead scoring the next 12 points.

But the Maroons came roaring back. Back-to-back aces by Whitney Pollard had the Maroons only trailing by four.

Within in minutes, P.C. tied the game at 21. However, the late surge came up short as the Jumpers put up four of the last five points to set up the rubber match.

"After that set, our girls acted like they won. I told them they needed to stay focused because they are a good team over there and we had not won anything" said Burkett.

The third set started out going back and fourth. But a 12-0 Somerset run opened up the doors for their first ever win over the Maroons.

"After the first set, they served with more consistency and handled the pressure well. We didn't finish the game and we have to learn to do that. This was our second game and we have to learn to win" said Maroons coach Teresa Combs.

"She has had a great program over there. At the same time, it shows how far we have come. This was a huge win for us" said Burkett. "I enjoyed this. I hope we can get to where when we win these games, its not a big deal."

Somerset will travel to Monticello on Mon day, Aug. 18, while Pulaski County will host an Invitational on starting the Friday, Aug. 22.

Aces – Pulaski - Vanhook (3), Blanton (2), Boyd (3), Hoskins (3)

Somerset – Jones (1), Durham (1), Marcum (1)

        

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