Golden Falcons sweep Cougars in volleyball

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on September 17, 2015 1:48 PM

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bdavis@newsargus.com

Someone in the stands said, "Number nine and seven," during the final set Wednesday afternoon.

The person referred to Charles B. Aycock's Cyerra Carter (No. 7) and Arlanda Faulkner (No. 9). They helped lead the Golden Falcons to a 25-15, 25-22, 25-20 victory over county rival Goldsboro High.

The Cougars clawed back in the third set in an attempt to play a fourth, but came up short.

"I couldn't have done it without the passes in the back," said Faulkner, who is a junior. "I'm not sure about how many kills I had."

The modest spiker had eight kills and five service aces. Carter, also a junior, picked up five kills.

"Carter and Faulkner are excellent players. They work hard with the rest of them," said Golden Falcons' head coach Roy Harrell.

Seniors Alexis Bynum and Taylor Daniels had five kills apiece. Junior Tanika Powell had 14 assists, while senior Sydney Schmeltzer had 17 digs against the Cougars.

Goldsboro junior Becka Pittard had 11 kills, two blocks and three aces.

"Becka does what Becka does," said Cougars' head coach T.J. Lancaster. "She is like a painter. She has a hard swing. You have to be ready for anything."

Goldsboro junior Matti Rose Lyon had 11 assists and eight digs. Senior Kaylee Lyon had four digs. Though the Cougars fought hard during every possession, their passes lacked connection with the hitters.

"We need to talk more and work as a team," Pittard said. "We need to get the passing down."

The Golden Falcons (7-4 overall) face New Bern tonight, while the Cougars (2-9) travel to North Lenoir.