ELLISVILLE – The No. 24 Jones College volleyball team opened conference play with a straight-set victory over Meridian Friday afternoon inside A.B. Howard Gymnasium.
The Bobcats were tested throughout the opening two sets before taking complete control in the third, earning the sweep by scores of 27-25, 25-22 and 25-11. The victory moved Jones to 11-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
"We've got to find a way to come out of the gate a lot stronger than we are," Dussouy said. "We did not do that today. Give credit to Meridian, they are a very good team and have had a very consistent season, especially with big swings. I think if we can consistently come out of the gate stronger, we will be in a much better position moving forward."
SET ONE
The match began with the tightest set of the afternoon.
Neither side was able to create much separation before Jones eventually prevailed 27-25 in the extended opening frame. The two-point win gave the Bobcats early momentum, especially after overcoming a six-point deficit to tie the set.
Jones' depth at the net was a big factor in propelling them to victory in the set and would also provided a much needed reprieve throughout the match.
SET TWO
Meridian (10-6) continued to make Jones work in the second.
The Bobcats again found themselves in a competitive frame, but they were able to finish strong by holding off a late Eagle rally to close out the set 25-22
The win put Jones in position to complete the sweep with a commanding two set lead with momentum firmly on their side.
SET THREE
Despite back-to-back close sets, the Bobcats were able to settle in early and run away with set three.
After winning the opening two sets by a combined five points, the Bobcats took control in the third and rolled to a 25-11 victory.
The 14-point margin was the largest of the match and completed the straight-set win in Jones' first conference match of the season.
LEADING THE WAY
Izzi Barnes (Gulfport) once again provided one of the most efficient offensive performances for the Bobcats, finishing with 14 kills while committing just one attack error on 21 swings for a .619 hitting percentage. She also contributed a solo block and two block assists, accounting for 16 total points.
Selah Sandridge (Madison; MRA) reached double figures with 10 kills and added a service ace.
Myah Favre (Pass Christian; OLA) finished just behind her with nine kills while contributing five digs, a solo block and two block assists.
Amaya Wilson (Olive Branch; Northpoint Christian) added five kills and two block assists.
Addyson Sides (Central, La; Central Private) recorded five kills and a block assist.
Claire Wicker (Oxford) paced the Jones offense with 24 assists and added five digs.
Keira Hariel (Madison; MRA) distributed 16 assists to go along with five digs and a service ace.
Olivia Guth (Poplarville; Lakeshore) anchored the back row with a team-high 12 digs and added a service ace.
UP NEXT
The Bobcats hit the road for a major road test Monday, Sept 21 against Norhtwest. First serve is set for 5 p.m.
