October 18, 2023 – The Davidson-Davie Community College volleyball team ended its regular season with a bang and exacted a measure of revenge Tuesday night. The STORM swept Cleveland County Community College 25-22, 25-15, 29-27 in Brinkley Gym to earn a win on Sophomore Night and also notch their 22nd victory, which surpasses last season’s win total and sets a new program record. Kennedy Powell and Gabrielle Greene, a pair of powerful outside sophomore hitters, led the way as Davidson-Davie avenged a 3-1 loss to Cleveland last month.
“Last time we lost to them at their place but tonight we put it together,” said Powell, who banged in 20 kills, some of which came off the back row. “I felt like this was one of my better matches kill-wise. When I am up, the tam usually stays up. So I try to bring that energy.”
The STORM never could get separation from the Yetis in the first game, with four points being the biggest lead. Davidson-Davie held a slim 23-22 cushion when Powell placed a perfect tip shot over two Cleveland blockers that fell to the floor. Then the Yetis were called for a net violation, ending that intense game. After playing efficiently in the second game, and covering every inch of the floor, Davidson-Davie and Cleveland hooked up in a playoff-type third game. The Yetis held a one-point advantage three times early on, but the STORM seemed to have found their rhythm after Greene’s cross-court kill made it 16-12 for the home team. Cleveland, which is a first-year program, stormed back to take a 25-24 lead. But Davidson-Davie stayed alive long enough to seize a 28-27 edge. Then Marissa McCann served in an ace to end things.
“Cleveland is a very good first-year program,” said Davidson-Davie coach Steve Elliott. “They are a scrappy team and they fight you ’till the end. Their coach does an excellent job. That third game, that’s the type of situation that will prepare us for the upcoming Region 10 tournament. Our sophomores have obviously been a huge part of our success. They are good leaders. We set a record for wins tonight. And we’re not done yet.”
Greene finished with 16 kills and had 20 digs. Hannah Arnett, another sophomore, had 19 assists from her setter position while Mackenzie Roach added 20 assists and 10 digs.
Davidson-Davie finished 8-3 in Region 10 play, good for fourth place, and is now 22-5 overall. The Region 10 conference tournament will be Oct. 27-28 in Fayetteville. The two teams who advance to the tournament finals will get bids to the NJCAA Division II national tournament.
