BEDFORD – After two seasons of struggles, Bedford North Lawrence broke out of the gate with two supercharged victories to start the 2023 campaign.
Following a rugged first set in the opening game of the BNL Invitational, the Stars rallied for two impressive wins, topping Austin 18-25, 25-19, 25-10, 25-12, then bouncing back in the second game to clip Corydon 25-14, 25-13, 25-12 to claim the trophy.
In one dramatic day, BNL matched its win total from a year ago and served notice about the future.
“It was a great day in the gym,” BNL coach Whitney Carroll said. “We started slow, as we always do for early games. But once we turned up the heat, we were unstoppable.”
Sammie Gratzer and Camryn Anderson powered the Stars to the win over Austin. Anderson pounded down 16 kills and two service aces, while Gratzer added 15 kills, 10 digs and three aces. Cali Mansker contributed 6 kills.
In the second contest, Anderson cracked 10 kills and Trinidy Bailey connected for 7 aces. Kendlyn Alvey finished with 35 digs in the two games, while Bailey finished with 10 total aces.
“Things were clicking today,” Carroll said. “Trinidy set well all day, our hitters were running a great offense and having fun. There were very few balls Kendlyn didn’t control. Our passing and serving were key elements today.”
The Stars will visit Mitchell for the annual county rivalry clash on Tuesday.
