NEVC bests Sheldon in 4

The Sheldon Lady Panther spikers were upended by the Northeast Vernon County Lady Knights in four sets Thursday in Sheldon.

The GVVC conference loss moves Sheldon to 0-14 overall (0-3, GVVC), while NEVC improves to 5-6 (5-0, GVVC).

Despite the loss, there were encouraging developments for Sheldon. The Lady Panthers entered the contest having dropped 32 consecutive sets to open the season, but achieved a breakthrough — taking the opening set from NEVC, 25-23.

The Lady Knights stormed back in the second set, riding away with a 25-12 win. NEVC then seized the third and fourth sets by margins of 25-18 and 25-17.

"The first, third, and fourth sets were the three best sets of volleyball we have played all season," said an elated Sheldon head coach, Emily Godsey. "We have a few things to tweak. But overall, during this match, these girls realized their potential. I think they even surprised themselves!"

Sheldon stat-leaders included Ella Kleeman with 15 assists, seven aces, a kill, and a block; Deborah Lamb, 18 digs, five aces, and a pair of kills; Destiny Brokob, 21 assists, and four aces; Cristina Scalley, 13 digs, a trio of aces, and a pair of assists.

In the junior varsity contest, Sheldon upended the Lady Knights in a one-set clash, 25-16.