May River came into the Nest on Thursday night looking to pull off a shocker, but the Sharks were no match for defending state champion Hilton Head High.
Kenzie Ryan was unstoppable at the net with 11 kills, and Ady O’ Grady added eight in a 3-0 Seahawk sweep.
“We’re happy that we came out super strong and had a clean sweep,” O’Grady said. “We have a very strong hitting team, but I definitely think we can work on our defense.”
With a vibrant student section on their side, the Seahawks jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the opening set and cruised to a 25-10 victory. May River made it interesting in the second set, but a flurry of sensational strikes from senior Kenzie Ryan lifted the Seahawks to a late run and a 25-16 second set win. Hilton Head laid down the hammer in the third set, starting the frame on a 10-1 run en route to a 25-12 win to finish off the sweep.
Makenna Mason was outstanding all match long, recording 12 digs, 32 assists, three kills, and two blocks. Ryan added seven digs along with her 11 kills, and O’Grady shined with four aces, four blocks, and eight digs. Abby Jacobs was fantastic behind the service line, notching five aces to go with seven kills and two blocks.
Hilton Head High (8-2-1, 4-0) travels to Beaufort High on Monday. May River (4-2, 0-2) also visits Beaufort High on Tuesday.
By Wes Kerr / Photos by Maya Gozlan
