West Side Christian got off to a slow start this volleyball season, dropping its first two matches. The Lady Warriors then won five straight before falling at Taylor on Thursday.
There are multiple reasons for West Side’s surge of success, none bigger than its dynamic duo at the net.
Carley Bain and Camille McKnight combine to give the Lady Warriors a solid wall of protection at the net and a pair of powerful offensive weapons. It’s not by chance the 5-foot-9 juniors line up side-by-side when they’re both on the front row.
“Yes, our offense is its strongest when they are both at the net,” said West Side coach Shelby Jones. “When they are both playing the net we are able to create a double block as opposed to when they are both on the back row. When they are working together on the front row it should significantly improve our net defense.”
McKnight has a dual role of setter and outside hitter. She leads the team with 120 kills and 49 aces through seven matches. Bain serves as the team’s middle hitter and leads the team in blocks at the net and also has 21 aces and 23 kills.
“McKnight is a setter so she is usually still on the frontline. McKnight has the role of being an outside hitter and the powerhouse of the offense,” said Jones. “Bain has the role of being a middle hitter as well as blocker. She is very good at reading the floor and placing the ball in open spots as well as being the powerhouse of our net defense.”
The Lady Warriors are 5-3 on the season with two losses to unbeaten Taylor. They are hoping to gain momentum for a postseason run to the state tournament.
“I definitely think we will meet teams that have people as good as they are together,” said Jones. “I think the big difference when that happens will be how well we work together in tough situations.”
West Side hosts Lafayette County on Tuesday.