BRISTOL, Tenn. — Being one of two fifth-year seniors on the King College volleyball team means that Katie Fleming has experienced a lot in her four years playing for the Tornado.
It also means something else.
“I’m old,” said Fleming with a laugh. “My body is broken down.”
The comment was clearly in jest. Fleming had 12 assists, three digs, an ace and a kill as King closed out the King College Invitational with a 25-13, 25-23, 25-21 victory over
Concord (W.Va.) University on Saturday afternoon.
King went 2-2 in the two-day tournament and improved to 20-4 overall. Currently in the process of moving to the NCAA Division II level, King is classified as an independent.
However, the victories are still piling up for the former Appalachian Athletic Conference power.
“It’s been really unique,” Fleming said. “We have to try to get pumped for every [match]. It’s kind of hard when you’re not in a conference … But it’s exciting. We’ve seen a lot of good teams.”
Morgan Machen led King with nine kills in the victory over Concord, while Sarah Van Goethem (eight kills), Rachel Harding (13 digs) and Shannon Earwood (22 assists) also keyed the win.
King relies heavily on its latest recruiting class as four freshmen have played valuable roles for the Tornado.
“We have a couple of five-year seniors and we’ve got some great freshmen and everything in between,” said King coach Chris Toomey. “It’s been neat. We’ve got so much talent and each night different people step up. That’s the encouraging part … We’ve got a group where anybody can step up and take charge.”
The play of newcomers Van Goethem, Earwood, Ashton Hibar and Natalie Brown has also been uplifiting to the veterans.
“It’s been really nice to have those freshmen bring so much energy,” Fleming said.
The Concord roster features junior Kayla Martin (Rural Retreat) and freshman Mary Sholes (Patrick Henry). Martin slammed down six kills and registered a block in the loss to King.
Virginia Intermont (3-20) compiled a 1-3 record in the tournament, but head coach Lauren Carrico Kinser was upbeat. The Cobras beat Concord on Friday and then pushed Fairmont State to four games on Saturday before before losing.
VI had lost to Concord in four games earlier in the season, but swept the Mountain Lions in the rematch.
“We played together as a team and played with enthusiasm,” Kinser said. “For us to play a team again a month later and see that much of an improvement, it’s very much an eye-opener for me and the girls. Hopefully, it will build confidence going into the [AAC] tournament in less than a month.”
Kaitlyn Crutchley had 13 kills for VI, while former Sullivan East High School standout Jessie Blevins had another superb match with 12 digs.
“I like to call her a mop for us on defense,” Kinser said of Blevins. “She’s everywhere. She’s up and has a great attitude and she hustles. She really helps our team out.”
Freshman setter Tori Starnes dished out 21 assists for VI, while Brandi Blessing had seven digs and two kills. A former Hogoheegee District player of the year during a star career at George Wythe High School, Blessing plays a big role for VI.
“As a freshman, she’s learned that in college, it’s a little different because you’re going to have a block there,” Kinser said. “I feel like she’s done a great job of adjusting to that …
That’s what I love to see, a freshman step up and be a leader and help our team in a great way.”
thayes@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2570
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement