INDEPENDENCE — Like it did a week earlier in their season opener, Allen Community College’s Red Devil volleyball squad started off like gangbusters.
Unlike a week ago, in a straight set loss to Butler, Allen was able to maintain its strong play throughout.
The resulting 25-13, 25-23, 25-16 victory evens the Red Devils’ record at 1-1 on the young season.
“It was a great conference win for Allen and provided us with a win that might hold weight later in the season for regional rankings,” ACC head coach Jessica Peters said.
Allen’s quick start was keyed by the squad’s blocking front row and a pair of service runs by defensive specialist Halley Scott. Allen reeled off seven straight points in her first serve, then eight more her second time around.
The Red Devils blitzed their way to a 24-10 lead. A series of errors allowed Independence to reel off three straight points before Allen closed out the set.
Things didn’t go as smoothly in the second set.
“This was the match that Allen chose to play at the level of our opponent,” Peters said. “We slowed down altogether, offensively and defensively. We allowed balls to fall that we could have gotten to, and we looked sloppy.”
Even though Allen eked out a 25-23 win in the second set, Peters issued a challenge to her players.
“Although we can walk away from a set like this early in our season, we must take this challenge home and improve upon it,” Peters said, “which we did.”
Allen found its footing again in the third set, particularly along the front line.
“We doubled our kills in the third set, along with finding our blocks again. Defense remained the strength again for us tonight, not letting much fall without being right there with it, and hustling after everything.”
Sidney Keith led the way with seven kills and 13 digs, while scoring 10.5 points. Danielle Goodman and Lizzy Huey added four kills each. Adriee Munoz had 13 set assists; Jessi Sennett nine. Scott wound up with five ace serves and 11 digs to go with five points. Huey scored six points.
Allen is in Highland Friday and Saturday for a tournament before returning to Iola Wednesday for the squad’s home opener against Highland.
Lady Red Devils nab win
