Fri Sep 13 02:56:00 UTC 2024: ## Independence Patriots Volleyball Sweep PikeView, Building Momentum Under New Coach

**COAL CITY, WV** – The Independence Patriots volleyball team continued their strong start to the season with a decisive three-set sweep over PikeView Thursday night. The victory comes on the heels of a thrilling five-set win against Nicholas County earlier this week, demonstrating the team’s growing resilience and mental toughness under new coach Ron Moreland.

The Patriots, now 4-6-1 on the season, showcased their offensive prowess with several key players contributing to the win. Aubree Cantrell led the team with 9 kills and 2 aces, while Rylie Froble chipped in with 7 kills and 2 aces. The team also benefitted from strong performances by Maci Perry, Graci Perry, and Kamryn Wooten.

“We did great (against PikeView),” said Moreland. “We struggled Tuesday night, but we learned how to win in five sets, and tonight’s goal was to take it in three. We came out and just kept firing and never let off.”

Moreland emphasized the importance of the Nicholas County victory, which helped build the team’s confidence and demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity.

“They proved they could win,” he said. “And we build on it (every day), doing a lot of skills, but also a lot of team building and team bonding to try to really get them all to come together.”

Cantrell, a senior hitter and last year’s all-state second-team captain, echoed the sentiment, noting the team’s growing cohesiveness and trust.

“I feel like definitely this game we came more together as a team,” she said. “We’ve been playing together, we’ve been trusting each other more, working together. We’ve all just been a unit today. I’m so proud of that.”

The Patriots also benefitted from the enthusiastic support of a large student section, something that Moreland hopes to see continue throughout the season.

“I want us to be the kind of place when people come in here, they’re like, ‘Man, that student section was something else. That was loud,'” said Moreland. “The girls feed off of that.”

The Patriots will look to carry this momentum into the Bridgeport Tournament this Saturday.

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