In a bounce back performance after a Tuesday loss to Black Hills, the Centralia volleyball team came out strong and held momentum for most of its three-set sweep of Aberdeen at home Thursday, 25-13, 25-12, 25-10.
“We had really good consistent energy, that was one of the goals we set,” Tigers coach Marti Smith said. “The last time we played them, we didn’t carry that consistent energy. They definitely brought that in the first set. I attribute that to our serve receive, it was one of our better serve receive nights.”
Tatum Johnston led the way at the net, racking up seven kills, and Lauren Wasson had 11 digs and a team-high eight kills at outside hitter.
Setter Peyton Smith was 18 of 19 serving, dished out 15 assists, scorched four kills, and served up nine aces in another strong showing for the senior. Her sister, McKenna Smith, was 16 of 16 serving with five aces in the win, coming in after the Tigers trailed early in the second set and serving up an 11-point run to retake the lead and momentum for good.
“She brought a nice spark, and served 11 in a row with three aces during that run,” Marti Smith said. “That really got us going in the second set and we didn’t look back.”
Gracie Schofield added 10 digs and Maddie Buchanan had seven digs and served 100%.
“I thought overall, tonight was one of those nights where we did a lot of things really well,” Marti Smith said. “It was one of our better nights of coverage at the net, covering short balls, and our serve receive. It was a good overall team win where everyone contributed, that's what a coach wants to see. Hopefully we can carry that over going into our final week of the regular season.”
The Tigers take on Tumwater on the road Tuesday before Senior Night at home against Rochester on Thursday.
