By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Blue Ridge Early College girls varsity volleyball team hosted Invest Collegiate Imagine out of Asheville last Thursday and kicked off the season with a victory ending 3-1.
BREC Brooklyn Kenney hangs in flight until connecting with a set and scoring one for the Lady Bobcats.
BREC won the first set, lost the second, and then won the final two.
“We definitely had to shake off the dust and prepare underclassmen to come up to play at the varsity level,” said BREC Coach Ashley Steinel. “Overall I was happy with how we played and we have been able to focus on our weaknesses the last few practices.”
BREC Destiny McConnell opts for a tip and puts a point on the board.
Steinel added that seniors Izzy Moody and Venessa Russell stepped up and helped lead a young team on the court.
BREC Izzy Moody calmly hits a freeball from the back row.
As a team, she said the girls were very resilient in making critical plays.
“I am really proud of the girls for coming into our game ready to fight and coming out on top,” said Steinel.
BREC Amber Ward returns an INI serve at home last week.
The Lady Bobcats hosted Swain on Tuesday and lost 3-0.
BREC next plays on Aug. 29 when they host Nantahala.
BREC Vanessa Russell coasts through the air and scores a point on a well-placed tip. Also pictured at the top of the article.
BREC McKenzie Woods sets up a ready-to-rock Amber Ward.
BREC Brooklyn Kenney gets ready to serve to ICI at home.
From the left on the court are BREC Izzy Moody, Brooklyn Kenney, and Vanessa Russell during the final points of the second set against ICI.
BREC McKenzie Woods has options with hitters Vanessa Russell (background) and Destiny McConnell ready for a chance to score.
BREC Izzy Moody switches it up at the last second and tips for a point.
BREC Brooklyn Kenney hits a sets from McKenzie Woods for a point.
BREC Amber Ward scores a point against ICI last Thursday at home.