JOHNSTON – Thursday night (Aug 18) resulted in a disappointing loss for the Wardlaw volleyball team against AA opponent Richard Winn. 

Although the Patriots fought for 5 games, the final scores were 25-14, 15-25, 23-25, 25-23, and 10-15.  Team leader Lauren Williams had 12 kills and 1 block while freshman Nicole Jackson added 15 digs.  Laura James and Kathryn Ginn each had 4 aces in the match, but not a single Patriot was satisfied with their efforts.

But Wardlaw (1A) squared off against Richard Winn again Monday Aug 22 at home, and this time walked away with a decisive win in 3 straight games 25-22, 25-20, 25-13.  Leading the Patriots was Williams again, with 8 kills, 4 blocks, and 3 aces.  Freshman setter Katie Warnken contributed 2 blocks and 17 assists for Wardlaw, now 4-2 on the season. 

“Tonight was a big win for us,” said coach Kathy James.  “We're a team with no seniors, and we battled back to overcome an opponent who had just beaten us a couple of days ago.  To me, that says a lot about the character of these girls.”

The Wardlaw Academy Lady Patriots began the new season with a strong showing at the Newberry Jamboree defeating Newberry High, Coastal Carolina, and Oakbrook in the season opener. 
Wardlaw lost one match (2-1) to AA opponent Richard Winn at the Jamboree. 

Sophomore standout Lauren Williams led the Patriots with 30 kills, 5 blocks, and 3 aces.  Juniors Kathryn Ginn and Laura James each contributed 5 aces and 7 kills respectively, and freshman setter Katie Warnken contributed 48 assists and 4 aces for Wardlaw, now 3-1 on the season.