The Kosciusko and McAdams volleyball teams opened the season on opposite sides of the net, with the Lady Whippets coming out on top 25-8, 25-2, 25-7.
It didn't start out well for Kosciusko. McAdams took advantage of Kosciusko misplays to run off four straight points for a 4-2 lead in the first game, prompting Kosciusko coach Taylor McDole to call an early timeout.
“I told them with some very colorful words to get it together, or practice would be tough.” Her players received the message, dominating the rest of the way with powerful serving.
“We had a really good night serving,” McDole said. “We serve every day in practice. The team that serves the best usually wins.”
Mary Kimble Price is Kosciusko's best server with laser-like offerings that are difficult to handle. But everybody wearing the Kosciusko uniforms served well. Haley Olive, Gracie Kate Burrell and Raven Pernell were very effective.
The match started with Price serving two winners and ended with her serving the final two points.
In his first match as McAdams coach, Kris Upchurch acknowledged that his players had trouble responding to serves. “We can't duplicate that in our practices.” But he saw some encouraging things.
“They played until the last serve. They did not get down on themselves.”
McDole said “I saw some areas where we need improvement. Some things that didn't seem to be clicking. It's not too bad for a first game, but we have a long way to go.”
The teams will meet again August 24 at McAdams. Both played Tuesday, Kosciusko at Newton County and McAdams against Louisville. The Lady Bulldogs have a match with Holmes County Central Thursday. Kosciusko's next match is Monday at Ethel.
After winning Region 4-4A the past two years, Kosciusko moves into a stronger region in 3-4A. As defending 4A state champion, Caledonia has to be considered the favorite. McDole acknowledged that the region will be tough, but said “I'm not giving up on first place.”
