North Putnam drops match to Stars

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

ROACHDALE-- North Putnam had problems defending Western Boone's array of power hitters Monday, losing 25-13, 25-7, 25-21, in a non-conference volleyball match on the Cougars' court.

North Putnam (0-3) didn't get going until the third game, when it led several times early and was in the hunt late. The Cougars trailed 22-21 in the third.

"We usually don't get started until the third game," North Putnam coach Jill Schreiber said. "We lack confidence until the third game. Western Boone is a really good team. Could we have been competitive in all three games? Yes, but we were intimidated by their hitters."

Unbeaten Western Boone (3-0) hasn't lost a set this season. The Stars have an impressive lineup of hitters led by 6-foot-1 Emily Harrison and 6-foot-2 Casi Neff and 5-foot-10 Nicole Chance. Harrison had 18 kills, Neff and Chance seven each.

"We have a lot of hitters and that's what makes us so dynamic," Western Boone coach Laura Lawson said. ""With so many hitters, we're difficult to defend, especially with Emily (Harrison). Nobody has stopped her yet."

North Putnam didn't have 6-foot Samantha Lucas, one of its best hitters and blockers. She's missed all three matches with a sprained ankle.

"That (playing without Lucas) hurt us," Schreiber said.

Lucas didn't play Tuesday when the Cougars travel to Tri-West. North Putnam returns home Thursday to play Turkey home. "Maybe," Schreiber of Lucas' availability.

Morgan Robinson had two kills and two blocks against the Stars. Kelsey Reed, Kenzy Asbell, Madi Asbell, Katie Welch and Kallie Brattain each had one kill. Welch had four assists and one block, Reed had three assists and Madi Asbell and Alyssa Robers each had one ace.

Tuesday at Tri-West, the Cougars lost to the Bruins 25-10, 25-12 and 25-22.

"We started out slow, but our third game we always start to play. This was a team we should have beat, it just was not our night. We had some players play well," Schreiber said.

She also said Robinson had a excellent game at the net, collecting some nice blocks and good hits. Schreiber also praised the play of Brattain and LeeAnn Davis.

"Confidence in ourselves and as a team is what we are lacking right now," she said. "Once we understand we are a good team and have the potential to win, we will be okay and win some games."