The Clinton Dark Horses varsity volleyball team’s record has fallen to 1-7 after a loss to East Duplin Tuesday. Final score 0-3. The JV team was also routed in two sets.

According to reports from head coach Jennifer Honeycutt, the JV team lost 8-25 and 12-25. As for the varsity Dark Horses, they, too, were conquered 0-3 with the scores 12-25, 12-25 and 20-25.

Despite the loss, the varsity team never gave up the fight. In fact, during the first set, the Dark Horses were able to slightly close the gap after the Panthers put 13 straight points on the board, but were eventually routed 12-25.

As for the second set, the Dark Horses got off to a fast start, closing the Panther lead and tying it up 6-all. The game remained tied until East Duplin took a five-point lead off five straight service points, making the score 7-11.

East Duplin continued to expand their lead to 8-16, but a kill from Kaitlin Norris gave the ball back to Clinton’s Katie Butler. During Butler’s serve rotation, she was awarded an ace as well as another point with the help of her team, bringing the Horses up to 10.

Quickly East Duplin turned their seven-point lead, 12-19, into a victory during their last serve rotation.

During the third set, Clinton was able to take a slight lead, but the Panthers tied it up 5-all.

The game remained tied until East Duplin took a 9-12 lead.

Clinton’s Spencer Norris was able to close the game up to 13-14 during her serve rotation, but East Duplin eventually took it 20-25.

“Spencer Norris stepped it up serving tonight,” Honeycutt commented. “She did well on her serves.”

As for the rest of the team, Honeycutt revealed that many of the players were playing different positions that they were not used to playing, which contributed to the loss.

Tuesday night’s win ties East Duplin for first in the conference.

Honeycutt further revealed that in between the JV and varsity games, the Sampson Middle School volleyball team was recognized.

Members included: Stephanie Gore, Brittany Cottle, DeAsia Edwards, Megan Wrench, Peyton Mitchell, Colby Royal, Susan Jones, Gloria Kim, Katelyn O’Neal, Tori Tyndall, Alex Cowand, Maggie Wells, Martha Strickland, Caitlan Perry, Kristen Mason, Elizabeth Tsao and Maria Thornton.

The Dark Horses will play Topsail away, Thursday, Oct. 1

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com