The Mathews High School varsity volleyball team used its strong defense to defeat Northumberland in three straight sets Monday night, by scores of 25-21, 25-22, 27-25.

After a long week of practice and no games, the team had a shaky start on the Indians’ home court, but ended up victorious by putting key plays together in the second and third sets.

Standouts for the Lady Devils included Madisyn Jackson with one ace, five kills, two digs, four solo blocks, and one blocking assist; Caroline Crittenden with 11 kills and 19 digs. Sarah Brown had one ace, 35 assists, and seven digs, and Mia Gillenwater, two aces, one assist and 13 digs.

Maddie Maggioncalda came in during the second set and served one ace, had nine digs and four kills. Nicole Brown watched for open spots on the court and contributed nine kills and had one dig and one blocking assist. Victoria Bing provided the team with three kills and five digs. Hannah Smith helped the team with four kills and one dig, and Kristen ...