Volleyball wins pair of matches

TONY STINNETT, Courier Co-Editor


Cannon County’s volleyball team continued its strong start to the 2012 season by going 2-1 in three matches last week.

The Lionettes (4-2) turned back Van Buren County, 25- 11, 25-17 for their first win of the week and ended with a 2-0 triumph against Providence Christian. The Lionettes lost to powerful Warren County, 2-0.

“I’m proud of the girls and the improvements we continue to make,” Cannon County volleyball coach Sila Kailiponi said. “We continue to work hard and you can see the results in the matches.”

Abbey Spry led the Lionettes with eight aces in the sweep against Van Buren County. Emily Sissom also had a strong day serving with five aces in the match. Hannah Faulkner and Ariana Kailiponi each added one. Marion Wallace and Kailiponi each had one kill in the win.

“We did a great job serving and that helped us control the match,” Coach Kailiponi said. “We also held our own at the net and that has been a point of emphasis at practice.”

The Lionettes dropped a 25-17, 25-9 decision against Warren County. Kailiponi had two aces, four digs and two blocks in the setback. Sissom notched an ace and three tips.

Cannon County closed the week with a non-district win against Providence Christian. The Lionettes set the tone with a hard-fought 27-25 win in the opening frame. They won the remaining games 25-16, 25-14 to take the win.

Kailiponi’s serving, as well as an ability to keep balls alive, was key in the victory. She led the team with eight aces and added five tips. Kailiponi also had one kill.

Faulkner and Marion Wallace added three aces each and Sissom finished with two. Spry had another solid match with five kills, three tips and two digs. Sissom also had seven tips.

The Lionettes also won the junior varsity match, 25-23, 25-23. Rachel Dorris and Shawni Heery had two kills each, followed by one each from Cheyenne Fann and Madelynne Bogle.