CRESTVIEW — Powered by 15 kills from Kierra Potts and 17 assists from Marisa Rogers, the Crestview High School volleyball team opened the 2015 season with a four-set win over Milton by scores of 25-17, 21-25, 25-15 and 25-21.
The match against the Panthers, last year’s District 1-6A champion, was a good early season test for the Bulldogs as they prepare of a rugged District 2-6A schedule against Okaloosa County rivals Choctawhatchee and Fort Walton Beach.
Crestview Coach Kathy Combest was happy with the win, but she was quick to point out there’s still a lot of work to do as the season progresses.
“We still have to do some things,” she said. “We are drifting on the block (away from the ball) and jumping when we shouldn’t jump.”
Combest was pleased with the way Crestview played defense and with the passing from the back row.
“We have offense when we have that passing,” she said.
The first set resembled what might be expected of an early season match. Both teams made silly mistakes such as double hits or committing net violations.
Mikaela Worley kept the Panthers close with several kills. Worley’s second kill of the night put Milton in front 6-5, but the Bulldogs slowly took control of the set.
A kill by Lakayla Robinson put Crestview in front 9-8 and the Bulldogs led the rest of the first set, outscoring the Panthers 17-10 down the stretch.
Milton flexed its muscle in the second set as Worley led the charge and the Panthers tied the match at 1-1.
The last two sets belonged to Crestview as Potts made her presence known, slamming home kill after kill.
Torri Robinson kept the Panthers off balance with a tricky serve. Robinson only had three aces, but the placement of her serves kept Milton scrambling.
Combest thinks the Bulldogs should be able use the win as a springboard to the rest of the season.
“Going into our district – we have a strong three-team district – we just need to build the team up and get better,” she said.
Crestview 3, Milton 1
Scores: 25-17, 21-25, 25-15, 25-21
Stats: Meghan Dietz, 2 aces; Riley Edwards, 1 block, 3 kills; Pamela George,
2 kills; Christa Johnson, 1 block, 6 kills; Cailee Ness, 3 blocks, 1 dig, 5 kills; Kierra Potts, 2 aces, 1 block, 15 kills; Lakayla Robinson, 3 aces, 2 kills; Torri Robinson, 3 aces, 12 assists; Marisa Rogers, 17 assists, 3 digs; Alyssa Rogers, 1 dig, Olivia Potts, 1 kill.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview volleyball team wins opener (PHOTOS)