Monday, Sept. 15 -- Eastern Montgomery downed Parry McCluer High School 3-0 in the Pioneer District volleyball opener for both schools in Buena Vista.
Macie Akers posted seven kills and 16 assists to lead the Mustangs (5-2) to a 25-19, 25-21, 25-16 victory. Brookelyn Kingery added six kills and 10 assists, while Karsen Underwood finished with six kills and three service aces.
Emory Slagle posted a match-high eight kills for the Fighting Blues (3-3). Jorja Catlett totaled 15 assists for PM, and Presley Camden notched 14 digs and four aces.
EM used a 5-0 run midway through the opening set to extend a narrow 12-10 margin into a 17-10 lead. The Blues closed to within 18-17 with a 7-1 spurt that featured three Slagle kills -- the junior middle finished off six points in the frame -- and two Camden aces, but the Mustangs closed things out with a 7-2 stretch.
PM held a slim 15-14 advantage in the second stanza, but a 4-0 mini-run put EM in front for good. Akers was at the center of the Mustangs' offensive effort in the set, tallying four kills and six assists.
An ace and two kills from Olivia Boone keyed an 8-0 run in the third frame that put EM ahead 21-11, and the Mustangs held off the Blues down the stretch to secure the sweep.
Josie Martinez recorded four kills and three aces for PM, and Kadence Zollman also had four kills. Boone finished with five kills and five aces for EM.
The Blues will return to action against Pioneer foe Highland County on Thursday, with the junior varsity contest slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.
