Lady Panthers grab big win at home

NORTH HOPKINS— The North Hopkins Lady Panthers hosted the No. 13 Cumby Lady Trojans Tuesday for their first in a pair of district matches this season. Cumby entered the game with a 6-0 district record and on a seven-game winning streak.

The Lady Panthers started the game off by winning a tight 25-23 first set. Things remained that close the rest of the match but North Hopkins was able to complete the three-set sweep, winning the next two sets, 25-22.

Raylee Mathis led the way for the Lady Panthers, racking up 16 kills, while also tallying three digs, two aces and a block. Makayla Buchanan had a big game offensively as well, finishing with seven kills and four aces. Selene Leon was just behind her with seven kills and two aces.

Setting things up for North Hopkins was Kortni Ferrell who had an impressive 30 assists in the 3-0 win. Ferrell also had one ace and one kill.

Leading the way defensively for the Lady Panthers were Abigail Whaley and Jackie Perez. Whaley had 13 digs and an ace, while Perez had eight digs.

Other contributors for the Lady Panthers were Mattie Pogue with three blocks, and Natalie Perry and Molly Wiser, who each had one kill.

“The girls played extremely well tonight. We did a good job with putting the ball away and finishing on our system plays,” North Hopkins Coach Danna Lewis said. “We cut down on unforced errors and were able to finish each set. I’m so proud of the team effort that was put fourth tonight.”

North Hopkins and Cumby will face each other again Friday, Oct. 23 in Cumby with the junior varsity begining at 4:30 p.m. and the varsity to follow.