Lady Canes win region tourney opener; Evans named region MVP

Cartersville volleyball won its opening match of the Region 5-AAAA tournament Tuesday at Chapel Hill to advance and host the region semifinals and finals this Thursday.

The Lady Canes started slowly, but eventually swept Central-Carroll 25-23 and 25-19.

“We were a little flat after a lengthy layoff,” said Cartersville coach Dutch Cothran. “It was a loud and exciting atmosphere and we found ourselves trailing 8-2 in the second set before we tied it at 16.”

Nedu Evans (photo) finished with 12 kills and two aces. Bekah Stevens had eight kills and four aces. Grace Hunter had 26 assists and three aces. Anna Mathis and Anna Grace Brock finished with ten and eight digs, respectively.

“Emily Petty subbed in during the second set and served three great serves in a row to help us take a three-point lead. Then the girls did a good job finishing out the match. We now have a shot to win our third consecutive region title,” Cothran concluded.

Hunter, Stevens, and Evans were all named to the All-Region 5-AAAA team with Evans earning region MVP honors. Cartersville (21-11) hosts the region semifinals and finals Thursday. The Lady Canes will play Troup at 5 p.m.