By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
WILLIAMSTON — Dominant play by the Williamston front line helped the Tigers’ volleyball team extend its perfect record to 6-0 on Tuesday as they beat Perquimans 25-23, 25-18, 25-16 in Williamston.
Presley Roberson, Courtney Bowen and Lane Harris spearheaded the Tigers’ assault up front, taking advantage of strong set ups by Morgan Miller and Heather Jackson.
Williamston played disciplined on both ends of the court throughout the game. The Tigers did a good job of staying in their zones and covering the whole court, which allowed them to set up their offensive attack.
When possible, Williamston would have a setter in the middle of the court with the ball and bring three hitters to the net for potential kills, leaving the setter to decide which area of the court to attack. While the big hitters get most of the attention, Rogers said what happens before the kill is equally important.
Though the Tigers played cohesively throughout the game, Perquimans was up to the task and in the first match and rallied back from a 22-15 deficit to cut Williamston’s lead to 24-23. However, the Tigers pulled together and managed to pull out a 25-23 win.
The Pirates hung tough for a majority of the second match as well, and midway through trailed 18-15. Strong serving by Spruill helped Williamston widen its lead and take another win.
Spruill dealt six straight service points to take a 24-15 advantage. Spruill, who’s serves tend to have a late sink to them, gave the Pirates fits all game.
Rogers, who signals for the location of each serve from the bench, said he was proud of the way the team served.
The Tigers ran away with the third match as a Miller ace, along with Williamston’s powerful net game, helped it take an early 9-2 lead en rout to a 25-16 win.
Roberson, who plays in the middle, showed flashes of dominance as she blocked several Pirates’ shots and scored on a lot of kills.
The Tigers also got a big boost of the bench from Bowen, who’s height and athleticism blended in well with the first unit.
Williamston’s next match will be Thursday, when it hits the road to battle Plymouth.