By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
Ariton–The G.W. Long Lady Rebels volleyball program picked up a pair of sweeps this week, winning at all three levels against Headland on Tuesday and Ariton on Thursday.
Long opened the week Tuesday, Sept. 15, against Headland and swept the Rams in junior high, junior varsity and varsity action.
The junior high Rebels won 25-21 and 25-20, while the junior varsity team followed with 25-16 and 25-14 victories.
The varsity Rebels completed the sweep with a 25-16, 26-24, 25-11 victory over Headland.
Kaylie Foster led Long’s varsity attack with 14 kills, six aces, two blocks and two digs. Sophie Grace Stevens added 12 kills, three aces and two digs.
Emory Strickland recorded four kills and three blocks, while Sophie Martin-Tibbetts contributed four kills and four blocks.
Sawyer Hughes finished with two kills, three blocks, three digs and four assists. Brooklyn Head recorded 10 digs and one ace.
Long returned to the court Thursday, Sept. 17, traveling to Ariton for another three-level matchup.
The junior high Rebels again opened with a 2-0 victory, winning 25-19 and 25-22. Long’s junior varsity team followed with 25-20 and 25-16 wins.
The varsity Rebels then completed the sweep with a 25-16, 25-21, 25-23 victory over the Purple Cats.
Foster again led Long offensively, recording 15 kills, nine digs and three aces.
Stevens posted a team-high 18 kills along with four digs and two aces.
Strickland added two kills and seven blocks, while Martin-Tibbetts recorded three kills and two blocks.
Hughes contributed five kills, one dig, one block and four assists. Ali Williams finished with three kills and two blocks, while Head recorded eight digs.
The Chronicle spoke with the Rebels’ Head Volleyball Coach Craig Long about the team’s win, and he praised the team’s hard work.
“Our team played smart and really pulled together to get the win tonight. We are really playing hard and battling some really good teams,” Long said.
When asked what Long thinks is playing a major role in the team seeing success and wins, he replied, “We are maturing as a team and playing together, [which is helping us see success].”
The Rebels are scheduled to return to action Tuesday, Sept. 22, against Houston County.
