Alma sweeps Charleston

By Kevin Taylor

Alma Schools

Sophomore Ryleigh Floyd posted a career-high 10 kills, along with 10 digs and nine assists, Monday as Alma opened the Josh Stark era with a 25-22, 25-21, 25-19 sweep of the Charleston Lady Tigers at Charles B. Dyer Arena to match Alma’s first 2-0 start to the season since 2009.

Alma travels to Pottsville Thursday.

“We got a little bit out of our game plan, just because they’re young and starting to learn, but we slowed down and went back to our game plan and did great in that third one (set),” Stark said.

The Lady Airedales, who erased a 22-19 deficit in the first set, trailed 12-10 in the third set before blowing ahead 19-15 on the strength of Mallory Taylor’s fourth and final ace. She and Chloe Kovalck each had four aces.

Kovalck also dished out a team-high 16 assists.

Jaeda Cahoon and Floyd added back-to-back kills for a 21-16 advantage, and Josie Welborn’s ninth and final kill made it 24-17.

Cahoon and Olivia Whipple each had four kills, and Cydney Hopper had three. Bailee Oliver and Madie House had two kills each.

Oliver led the winners with 18 digs.

The Lady Airedales face a big test Thursday when they travel to play Pottsville. The Lady Apaches finished 20-5-5 last season and went 10-0 in the 4A-2 before losing to Baptist Prep in the first round of the state tournament.

Ironically, the Lady Apaches lost their 2027 season opener to Baptist Prep on Monday.

“It’s going to be a good test for us,” Stark said of Thursday’s road opener. “They (Pottsville) have a great coach (Kacie Stabler). I’ve known her forever, and she played club for me. We’re going to have to play our game.”

GOLF

Chase Wood and Carson Curd shot 76 and 78, respectively, on Monday in Benton to lead the Airedales’ golf team.

Jack Taylor shot a 79, and Caden Hesson and Silas Dumond carded an 82 and 83, respectively.