NMCC sweeps Richland

NEW MADRID, Mo. — After a challenging stretch, the New Madrid County Central volleyball found redemption with a convincing straight-set win over Richland at NMCC High School on Tuesday, October 3.

With a balanced and well-coordinated attack, the Lady Eagles (11-13-0) won with set scores of 25-12, 25-15 and 25-16 over the Rebels (1-18-1).

NMCC's Destiny Hughes (11) digs�during a 3-0 win over Richland at NMCC High School on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We passed well but we were a little slow,” said NMCC coach Rae Jean Haines. “We had some good hits and I felt like we were doing some things right. We still have some things to improve on but we are young. So it will come.

NMCC displayed solid versatility throughout the match with a variety of attacking techniques and strategies, such as cross-court hits, line shots and tipping.

NMCC's Mylee Cook (5) goes for a kill�during a 3-0 win over Richland at NMCC High School on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“They utilized that tonight and it worked well,” Haines added.

Haines highlighted Joebeth Riley’s consistent standout performance, Destiny Hughes’ strong back-row play as a passer and Miley Cook’s effective hitting. Additionally, she mentioned Aubrey Aycock’s role in the setting rotations, allowing Cook to focus on hitting, and expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and their willingness to experiment and adapt due to their youth.

“We are playing more as a team,” Haines concluded. “We have had a few bad games, but the teamwork and camaraderie keeps getting better with every match. That always helps when they play together. We’re still making some young mistakes but we’re trying to build something. Hopefully going into districts we can clean some of that stuff up.”

NMCC will host Scott City (11-7-2) for senior night on Tuesday, October 10.

Richland travels to Bell City (15-8-2) on Thursday, October 5.