HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College volleyball team continued its hot play of late, winning matches against sixth-ranked Pasco-Hernando State College and South Florida Community College during the final day of the 4th Annual Valley Invitational on Saturday at the Tarlton Complex.
"They definitely lived up to the expectations," said Catawba Valley head volleyball coach Shannon Hudson of her team's performance at the two-day event. "We've been telling them all year that they have the talent to win, and they finally believed and trusted each other to make it happen."
With the victories, the Red Hawks improve to 17-7 overall and have now won 13 of their past 14 matches.
Catawba Valley 3, No. 6 Pasco-Hernando 0
For the first time in their storied rivalry, the Red Hawks shut out the Bobcats in straight sets during both team's first match of day two at the Valley Invitational on Saturday.
Set scores were 25-22, 25-21 and 25-21.
The win avenges a 3-1 loss earlier this season by CVCC against Pasco-Hernando on Sept. 8 in New Port Richey, Fla.
"For them to come out today and really put it all together, trust each other and not try to do too much, but play big ball and be aggressive when they could, it was nice to see it all come together for a win," Hudson said.
Emma Clark made a team-high 12 kills for Catawba Valley, while Sage Harrington and Siena Naotala added seven and six kills each.
Naotala also tallied six blocks (one solo, five assists), and Clark added four blocks (one solo, four assists) — part of an 18-block performance by CVCC.
The Red Hawks made 78 digs as a team, including a team-best 26 from Emily Williams, 14 from Paige Sizemore and 11 from Macy Pope.
Captains Emilee Webber and Macy Pope helped aid the offensive attack for Catawba Valley. Webber assisted on a team-high 18 kills, while Pope assisted on 11 kills.
Catawba Valley 3, South Florida 0
The Red Hawks capped their fourth-straight win in the Valley Invitational with a sweep against the Panthers on Saturday afternoon.
Emma Clark continued her impressive play with a team-high 13 kills and seven blocks, leading CVCC to the win.
Defensively, Emily Williams tallied 18 digs, and setters Emilee Webber and Macy Pope combined for 30 of their team's 34 assists.
The Catawba Valley volleyball team returns to action on Thursday when it battles D-II Cleveland State in Cleveland, Tenn.
The Red Hawks then travel the following day to Hanceville, Ala. to compete in the Wallace State Fall Bash — a two-day tournament where they will face four D-I teams, including Spartanburg Methodist, Coastal Alabama - Bay Minette, Monroe College and host Wallace State.
