Northwest Whitfield has had an uneven start to the season under new coach Dan Clotfelter. After dropping the first two matches of the season they bounced back with two wins, but had yet to put everything together. That changed Tuesday night as new coach Dan Clotfelter returned to his alma mater Ringgold.
Facing Christian Heritage under new coach Clair Morgan, Northwest senior Addison Manis turned a close first set into a blow out when she started a 10 point service run Strong serving carried the Bruins through the 2nd set as well as Layla Smith and Saidy Pallares both had aces on long serving runs. The offense was lead by Makyna Greeson with 7 kills while hitting .438 and Jenna Quinn with 8 kills on a .375 hitting percentage, with Megan Torbett contributing 15 assists. The defense had 37 digs, including 12 by Manis and 11 by Kiersten Holland.
The night cap featured a match against the 2024 Final Four participant Ringgold Tiger who had started the season off with a 5-1 record. The match featured lots of lead changes and big runs by both teams. Both sets saw the Tigers with a lead late, but Northwest playing its best volleyball at the end of each set to take with win. T’yannah Lee teamed with Quinn for a big block in the middle late in set one to give the Bruins the 26-24 set win. Set two saw the home Tigers build 21-15 lead, but then Paola Cuna stepped to the service line for Northwest. Cuna’s 8 point service run concluded with 5 straight aces to get the Bruins to game point and help secure the sweep. Jenna Quinn again contributed 8 kills, while hitting .267 and Lee and Greeson both contributed 3 kills.
Coach Clotfelter was very happy with the team’s performance. “I thought it was or first complete performance on the season. Serving, defense and offense all played well. I don’t think we would have been ready to get these wins a week ago.”
Northwest is back in action Thursday at another 2024 Final Four participant Calhoun, who is led by Kentucky signee Gracison Saylors.
Northwest Whitfield Bruins
Jenna Quinn 16 kills, 1 block
Makyna Greeson 10 kills
Harper Booth 4 kills, 1 block
T’yannah Lee 6 kills, 1 block
Jazmyn Dolye 2 kills
Teagan Voyles 1 kill
Megan Torbett 3 kills, 8 digs, 2 blocks, 30 assists
Addison Manis 20 digs, 4 aces
Paola Cuna 7 digs, 5 aces
Saidy Pallares 10 digs, 2 aces
Layla Smith 4 digs
Kiersten Holland 15 digs