By KIM NELSON
The Pulaski County Middle School volleyball team raised its record to 4-0 on Tuesday, as the Cougar spikers knocked off host Blacksburg, 23-25, 25-18, 15-13.
The opening contest was a close one, that saw several lead changes even as the game was tied at 20-20 and 22-22, but Blacksburg evening was able inch away for the two-point win.
Sandy Santos turned in an 8-for-8 performance from behind the service line to lead the Cougars. Ainsley Vaughan finished 6-for-6 and Jagger Davis 4-for-4. Davis and Bailey Viars collected three hits each and Natalie Kinder chipped in one. Vaughan and Ryleigh Dean combined for four assists and three tips. Vaughan, Davis and Gracie Painter were the top passers.
In game two, things looked a little different for the Cougars. They jumped out to a 10-7 lead, but let the Bruins claw their way back. Pulaski County led 19-17 at one point and was able to hold Blacksburg to just one additional point the rest of the way to claim the 25-18 victory.
Vaughan posted an 8-for-8 serving performance to lead the Cougars. Painter, Viars and Dean were all 3-for-3, while Santos and Bethenny King were both 2-for-2. Painter and Viars each had one hit, while Dean recorded both assists. Davis, Vaughan and Dean were the top passers.
In the tiebreaker, the two teams battled hard. Pulaski held a 14-11 lead, but Blacksburg again was able to cut into the lead until the score was 14-13 in favor of PCMS. Davis was the top passer.
In the extra games, Pulaski won the first one 25-10 and lost the second 13-15.
Isabella Osborne connected on 8-of-9 serves to help push the Cougars out to a 16-6 advantage. King was 6-for-6, Devae Carter 5-for-5, and Kaya Harriman 3-for-3. Osborne and Carter each had one hit and the top passer was Maddie Rinehardt and Jayden Brown.
In the second game, Brown was 4-for-4 from the service line and Harriman was 3-for-4. Osborne recorded two hits and Rinehardt picked up the assists.