Grimsley Whirlies Volleyball fall in straight sets to the Reagan Raiders to open the 2023 Season
by/from Michael Fanning, and a special report to GreensboroSports.com
Grimsley Volleyball falls in straight sets, 25-14, 25-20 and 25-10, to the Regan Raiders as the Whirlies open their 2023 volleyball campaign.
Grimsley head coach Stacy Way wanted a strong out-of-conference schedule help develop this year’s squad. She knew walking into gym of the Reagan Raiders was going to be one of the tougher matches all season for the Whirlies. The Raiders, defending Central Piedmont 4A champions, who last year went 36-1 and returned key players in key places, proved to be too much in the season opener.
The Raiders were in system all match as the setting of #12 Jordan Smart was outstanding. Smart setup hitters like #15 Ellyson Randolph and #32 Gabby Nichols for kills that kept finding holes in the Grimsley defense. While the Whirlies kept rallies alive with fantastic digs by libero #6 Morgan Falk, an inconstant attack often sent free-balls over to the Raiders which they then converted into attack opportunities and points. Grimsley might have had its best shot all night to take a set when they found themselves tied at 17-17 in the second. Reagan would then use a 6-0 to take a 18-23 lead and then go onto win the set 25-20.
The Whirlies look to bounce back at a two-day tournament in Chapel Hill starting this Friday.