Rebels dump Tigers in non-conference play

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on August 25, 2010 1:47 PM

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CALYPSO -- North Duplin focussed on eliminating mistakes and held off a second-set rally during its 25-13, 20-25, 25-19, 25-9 victory over county rival James Kenan on Tuesday night.

The Rebels took advantage of several Tiger errors in the return game as they jumped out to a 19-10 advantage in the opening set. Alonna Pate delivered back-to-back kills as the home team closed out the victory.

"I thought our girls did a lot of good things at the net," said North Duplin head coach Heather Best. "We have a good mix of players, both in the back and at the net, and tonight we played like a team."

James Kenan battled back in the second set behind Freddie Hicks and Aleczina Holmes. The tandem combined for four kills in the set and three service aces. One of Hicks' aces ended the set and evened the match.

North Duplin regrouped and immediately regained control of the contest.

"I think I may have hurt the chemistry when I started subbing in some different players in the second set," said Best. "But I don't regret that because we need to learn to play together. To their credit our girls got it back on track."

The teams played back and forth during the third set until a run of six consecutive points (five on unforced errors) allowed the Rebels to pull away. Tearra Ammons ended the contest with a block and squarely pulled the momentum back to the home sideline.

North Duplin played its best volleyball during the fourth set as it dominated from the opening serve. Five different players recorded a kill for the home team and Hannah Brock dished out seven assists.

"For us it all starts with getting the serves in bounds," said Best. "The final set was our best because we were able to keep the pressure on by not giving away points."

Ammons paced the Rebels' offense with eight kills and two blocks. Pate added five kills and three aces. Angelica Favela tallied three kills and three aces.

North Duplin (1-2 overall) travels to North Johnston today.