PM Netters Top Nelson, Roanoke Catholic On Road
The Parry McCluer High School volleyball team secured a pair of road victories last week, outlasting Nelson County 3-2 and besting Roanoke Catholic 3-0.
Last Tuesday, the Fighting Blues (3-1) went the distance in a 25-18, 17-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-9 win over the Governors (0-3). Kadence Zollman led the way with a double-double, recording 16 kills and 15 digs while also contributing four aces. Jorja Catlett amassed 33 assists for PM, and Presley Camden totaled 34 digs.
In a seesaw battle, the Blues may have saved their best volleyball for the decisive fifth frame.
“Super exciting that we came out on top. It was very back and forth,” PM head coach Jilane Hall said. “We went on a big run in the fifth set. It was really fun to see the girls getting hyped.”
Allie Cullen chipped in six kills and 19 digs for the Blues. Emory Slagle posted six kills and four blocks, and Josie Martinez served up a pair of aces.
PM 3, Roanoke Catholic 0 PM then earned its first sweep of the season, defeating Roanoke Catholic 3-0 on the road on Thursday.
Zollman tallied nine kills, 11 digs, three aces and a pair of blocks as the Blues won 25-23, 25-18, 25-18. Cullen notched seven kills, 20 digs and four aces, and Camden registered 31 digs. Slagle contributed seven kills, while Catlett had 23 assists and Martinez again finished with two aces.
“I think our girls improved significantly from our first showdown with them,” said Hall, whose team defeated the Celtics (1-5) by a 3-1 scoreline in Buena Vista on Aug. 28.
Overall, the Blues’ rookie head coach believes her squad has shown significant improvement across the first two weeks of the regular season.
“We’ve been doing a ton of switching people around. We’ve tried different people at different positions,” Hall said. “I love how the girls are willing to learn and willing to grow. … Our passing is getting better, our defense is getting better, and we’re connecting with our hitters a lot better.”
PM was slated to play host to Rockbridge County on Monday. The Blues will open up Pioneer District play against Eastern Montgomery at home next Monday, starting with junior varsity action at 5:30 p.m.
