The Craig County volleyball team opened the season last week with two matches at home, and the Rockets came up on the short end of the score both times.
Craig opened the season against a Group 3A team when the Christiansburg Blue Demons came to town, and the visitors escaped with a three set win. The Demons won 25-11, 25-8 and 25-10 to spoil coach Geoff Boyer’s return to the bench.
“Our passing wasn’t very good, Christiansburg was much more polished,” said Boyer. “But that’s to be expected since we didn’t have a scrimmage. It’s tough when you go into your first night without a scrimmage.”
Taylor Sloss had three assists and one ace for the Rockets while Autumn Hutchison had a kill, a block and two aces.
“We were just overmatched,” said Boyer. “We looked at that match as our scrimmage.”
On Thursday at home the Rockets played much better in a loss to North Cross in New Castle. Although the Raiders won in three, 25-17, 25-16 and 25-18, this match was much more competitive.
“They’re definitely a team we can play with,” said Boyer. “Our passing was better, and overall we played much better.”
Sloss had seven kills to lead the Rockets in this one along with five assists and three aces. Jaci McAlwee had three kills, three aces and a block and Haleigh Smith had three kills. Craig’s serving was the downfall.
“We missed 17 serves,” said Boyer. “When you give away that many points it doesn’t matter who you play.”
The Rockets were scheduled to make their first road trip on Tuesday against Alleghany. Then they’re off until the following Tuesday, September 5, when Alleghany comes here.
