Kennedy Horn
Although neither battle with Floyd County powerhouses the past two nights resulted in victories, the Columbus North volleyball team came away feeling good about the direction it is headed.
After playing close in two of the three sets in a loss at New Albany on Tuesday, North took a set from Floyd Central on Wednesday. The Bull Dogs captured the second set, but couldn’t quite keep the momentum going in a 25-15, 21-25, 25-20, 25-14 defeat.
“We had our moments at New Albany,” North coach Jenna Ortega said. “They have a good team, but we had several unforced errors on our side. We could have done better.
“This whole (Wednesday) night was better than what we’ve been playing,” she added. “It was nice to see them finally get out here and play like they know how to play. I’m very pleased with that.”
The Bull Dogs (9-9) led 5-2 in the first set and were within 9-8 before the Highlanders (14-8) pulled away. The second set went back-and-forth with seven lead changes before North’s Morgan Osborn served the final two points to even the match at one set apiece.
The third set was tied 9-9 before Floyd Central took control. The Highlanders then jumped out to a 15-6 lead in the fourth set and went on to close out the match.
Kennedy Horn led the Bull Dogs with 16 kills and one solo and two assist blocks. Reese Edwards recorded 27 assists, Osborn notched 12 digs and Ally Wettschurack served three aces.
Also for North, Karen Dutro tallied nine kills and one solo and one assist block. Roselynn Venegas added two aces.
“We were more scrappier tonight than I feel like what we’ve been lately, and we just finally came out as one,” Ortega said. “I know we lost, but sometimes, these things help us build and refocus on what we need to work on.”
