Bijonae Jones (6) protects the net at RNE. (Photo/Kristy Kimball Massey)
COLUMBIA – The Lady Bengals of Blythewood are smiling and have every right to be after sweeping away the Lady Cavaliers of Richland Northeast in three sets Tuesday night (25-14, 25-14, 25-13). The Lady Bengals seemed to be too much for the Lady Cavaliers delivering a total of 42 kills and 45 digs.
“It was solid all around,” said head coach Mary Hall. “I feel really good about this win and I was able to play everybody.”
The first set played out in a back-and-forth fashion, but the Lady Bengals found themselves jumping out 19-9 until a crucial timeout called by the Lady Cavaliers head coach Jessica Decker, which broke up the Lady Bengals’ momentum. After the timeout, the Lady Cavs crawled their way back in the match cutting the lead to six, 20-14. But the Lady Bengals seized control scoring five straight points to take the first match.
The action swung back and forth between the two teams in the second stanza. Neither team held an advantage larger than two points until the Lady Bengals pulled away at 20-10 and went on to take the set 25-14 taking a two-set lead. Going into the third match, the Lady Bengals would not look back, as they came out even more aggressive taking a commanding 17-9 lead, finishing off the match with 25-13 to seize the win.
The Lady Bengals relied on Bijonae Jones’ play as she contributed 19 kills and two digs, followed by Meredith McDovell with 11 digs and Leah Gunter with 24 assists and two aces. Jasrial Thompson, a new face to Bengals volleyball, added two kills and a pair of blocks.
“Jones is always impressive,” said Hall. “I’m pleased all around because my girls are doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
The Lady Bengals defeated the Lady Vikings of Spring Valley 3-0 on Sept. 19. They also went on to defeat the Charlotte Latin 2-0 in the Nation Ford Tournament. The Lady Bengals improve to 6-7-3 and will host Lugoff-Elgin Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.
