A superstar freshman in Emmy Davis and the return of senior Meghan Moore helped push Washington earn an important win, 3-1 over Edenton, ahead of next week’s foray into 2-A Eastern Plains Conference play.

The Lady Pack dropped a close first set, 25-22. Coach Kendall Hihn talked to the girls at the break. They beat Bear Grass in the first set of their road match last time out. Hihn said that she wanted to see them respond and defend their own court much like the Lady Bears did.

“They did things and executed things that I’ve been trying to get them to do the whole time,” Hihn said. “(Davis) played against Bear Grass and rocked it. She came out here and really stepped up to the plate. … They won the first one and I told them they’ve got to protect.”

That’s exactly what Washington did. Summer Campbell’s kill punctuated a 6-0 run by the Lady Pack to start the second set. Edenton responded and kept it close from there on out. The Lady Pack led by five, 16-11, at one point, but the visiting Lady Aces took a late lead.

Washington trailed, 24-20, and was in danger of falling behind 2-0. The girls got the ball back and, with Sydney Walker serving, managed to earn six consecutive points to win the set.

Both Washington and Edenton struggled to gain much traction in the pivotal third set. The Lady Pack and Lady Aces struggled with serving, which was understandable given how closely contested the first two sets were.

“That is something we noticed from the Bear Grass game,” Hihn said. “(Wednesday) I told them to get 30 (serves) in. It helped in the first two games, but I think they got tired. Serving is definitely something we’re going to work on in the future.”

Moore’s kill put Washington ahead 24-20 and on the cusp of taking a one-set lead. A serving error gave Edenton the chance at a comeback attempt, but Washington won the set 25-22.

Washington was able to lead by a couple points throughout most of the fourth set. Charity Gardner’s ace gave her side a 17-13 lead. Edenton called a timeout as soon as the Lady Pack added to it.

Washington came out of the Lady Aces’ timeout and extended its lead to 20-13. Edenton pulled within five, but the Lady Pack sealed the match with a 25-18 win.

The win came at a crucial time. Washington opens its league slate at Farmville Central on Tuesday. The Lady Jaguars tied North Pitt for first in the Eastern Plains last season. They return a dangerous hitter in Courteney Pitt, as well as six other seniors on what should be a stacked team.

Davis’ exceptional play as of late and getting Moore back from injury leave Washington in a good place heading into conference play. However, two players don’t make the team. Hihn knows that. She also believes that Davis’ raw talent and Moore’s leadership makes for a promising future.