Holly Rickett had the magic hand for Landrum on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The Cardinals’ offense sputtered in the early minutes of the first game, but shook it off quickly and took three straight games to beat region foe Blacksburg 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-21).
The Cardinals (5-4, 5-2), found their stride with Rickett on serve. Landrum was down 18-15 and Blacksburg senior Malory Sanders was pounding the ball into the Cardinals defense, but Kelsey Spicer sent a rocket into the Wildcat defense to give Landrum control.
Rickett stepped to the line and served up 10 straight points, including five aces.
“I tried to stay focused,” the sophomore said. “I knew we really needed the points.”
Rickett started off the second game and served three straight points to give the Cardinals an early lead. Blacksburg kept it close, but couldn’t get ahead. The Cardinals just had too much offense.
Setter Aubrey Denton, an eighth grader, had 18 assists and helped control the game. Carla Bruce led the way for Landrum with six kills. Spicer added five kills.Rebecca Hardin had four kills.
Defensively, Becca Burress had ten digs for the Cardinals.
“My girls seemed to play more together tonight,” Landrum coach Denise Riske said. “We’re improving.”