The Warren County Lady Pioneers saved one of their most complete performances of the season for their final regular-season district matchup. The Lady Pioneers set the tone from the opening serve and never let up, sweeping White County in three sets, 25-20, 25-20, and 25-18.
After previously battling White County through five sets, the Lady Pioneers found a way to flip the script this time around. Warren County controlled the match from start to finish and put together what head coach Erin Blalock called the team’s best performance of the season.
“The emphasis on tonight was on energy and playing the game!” said Blalock.
With the regular season coming to end shortly and district standings remaining tight, Blalock said the team focused on the importance of taking care of small details.
“We talked before the match about doing little things because those little things can turn into big wins. They stayed consistent with doing the little things and the big plays started happening,” said Blalock.
The consistency that Blalock was complimentary of was evident through all three sets.
The Lady Pioneers refused to let the Warriorettes find a rhythm, making adjustments at the net, defending against tips and keeping the Warriorettes moving around the court.
Warren County also continued to feed off one another, keeping the energy high even when rallies became extended.
“They had fun and energy all night,” said Blalock. “It makes such a big difference, and tonight, they showed what they can do when they work together.”
The Lady Pioneers took the opening set 25-20 before repeating the same score in the second set to move one set of the sweep.
Warren County then closed out the match with their strongest finish, taking the third set 25-18.
The Lady Pioneers had a big standout at the net, Natalie Payne. Payne consistently found opportunities to attack and capitalize.
“Natalie was incredible on the net tonight,” Blalock said. “She saw the court really well and capitalized when she got the opportunity to score. She was lights out tonight and it’s so fun to watch her when she’s on like she was tonight!”
While Payne made her presence known at the net, Warren County’s success came from a complete team effort. The Lady Pioneers adjusted their block, recognized White County’s tips and continued to move their defense around the court.
“The whole team really kept each other up and made adjustments where they needed to,” said Blalock.
With the district tournament approaching, the timing could not have been better for the Lady Pioneers. “Consistency is something we have struggled with at times this season, so it was refreshing and encouraging to see the girls keep up the level of play and energy they started the match with,” said Blalock.
Natalie Payne led the Lady Pioneers at the net, recording 12 kills on the night. Sloan Youngblood added 9 kills, while Ali Young anchored Warren County’s defense with 16 digs.
Warren County will look to carry tonight’s momentum as they approach the end of their season. The Lady Pioneers will be back in action on Sept. 28, in Dekalb County at 6 p.m.
Natalie Payne goes home with The Warren County Sports Authority chain after a great performance during tonight’s matchup.
