North Lenoir rallies past North Johnston in five sets

North Lenoir rallies past North Johnston in five sets

Info Submitted by HC Heather Carson

LA GRANGE —cNorth Lenoir refused to let an early two-set deficit turn into a third consecutive loss.

The Hawks battled back to defeat North Johnston 18-25, 23-25, 25-16, 25-19, 15-9 Wednesday in a Three Rivers 4A Conference match.

North Lenoir improved to 11-3 overall and 4-2 in conference play. North Johnston fell to 6-8 overall and 3-2 in the conference.

The Hawks struggled to find their rhythm during the opening set and dropped it 25-18. They played a tighter second set but came up two points short, leaving North Johnston one set away from completing the sweep.

North Lenoir responded with its best stretch of the match.

The Hawks controlled the third set for a 25-16 victory before taking the fourth 25-19 to force a decisive fifth set. North Lenoir carried that momentum into the final frame and closed the comeback with a 15-9 win.

Camryn Jenkins led the attack with 16 kills while adding 15 digs and 11 service points. Kenzie Carson recorded 12 digs and 11 service points.

Bijou Sutton directed the offense with 24 assists and contributed eight digs. Kennedi Starkie anchored the Hawks at the net with 14 blocks.

The victory snapped North Lenoir’s two-match losing streak following conference losses to Washington and West Craven. It was also the Hawks’ third consecutive victory over North Johnston dating to last season.