KM moving on to second round

Gabe Whisnant

Gabewhisnant

KINGS MOUNTAIN — After dropping game one to visiting Northwest Cabarrus in the first round of the 3A state playoffs, Kings Mountain head volleyball coach Brian Grant had a simple message for his team.

“Don’t beat yourselves,” he told the Southwestern 2A/3A Conference champion Mountaineers.

Grant’s squad heeded their coach’s instructions through the final three games — cutting down on their service errors and unforced miscues on the way to a 19-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-23 victory over the Trojans.

Records: KM 22-3; Northwest 12-10.

Next: The Mountaineers will host the winner of Franklin (18-5) and South Point (7-12 in the second round Tuesday.

Leading the way: KM’s Marshia Meeks had another strong game up front as the senior finished with 16 kills, including six in the match-clinching fourth game.

Brooke Avery dished out 17 assists for the Mountaineers, while Chasiti Falls posted 14 digs to lead KM’s defensive effort. Jordan Doty posted seven kills.

From the coach: “They (Northwest) came from an outstanding conference, so we didn’t look past this team at all. I think we came out a little nervous and tight, but we got the hang of it after one game and had a gut-check win.

“Our big key is we can not beat ourselves. If we clean up our serves, it’s always a major weapon for us.”