LAUREL HILL – Baker’s volleyball team had an answer for everything Thursday at Laurel Hill.
The Gators had an answer for their inconsistent play.
They had an answer for the energetic home crowd.
And they had an answer for what Hoboes coach Kent Zessin called one of his team's best showings all season.
Baker finished the District 1-1A schedule an undefeated 8-0 with the 25-21, 25-18, 25-17 win.
The Gators (12-5) overcame serving faults, errors and the cheers and yells of the Laurel Hill faithful.
To do it, Ashley Black dominated the net with three blocks while Taylor Brunson smashed the ball into the floor with seven kills, plus eight assists and eight digs.
However, it was Laurel Hill (7-9, 2-6) leading 20-19 in the first set. A bad serve preceded tied it up and Emily Stewart's kill put Baker ahead 23-20. Then she clinched the match with another kill.
"We always need to be able and step up and play well," Baker coach Tommiko Parks said. "We haven't quite gotten our rhythm back from Lena Daoud, our libero, tearing her ACL. It's a work in progress."
Laurel Hill led the second set 6-3 before Baker scored eight straight points, capped by Lindsey Stewart's ace. She finished with 13 assists while her sister, Emily Stewart, had 12 digs. Brittany Brunson had seven kills.
For the Hoboes, Bailey Stokes reached double digits in assists. Kaylee L'Homme had five kills and Rachel Welsh had 14 digs.
"We're a young team. I start three freshman, no seniors," Zessin said. "We had a great turnout from our supporters. Our players fed off it, especially at the start."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker downs Laurel Hill to stay perfect in district play