The Pinecrest volleyball team used a potent combination of power, size and speed to sweep Union Pines Thursday at Bob Ward Gymnasium in Cameron.

Led by strong showings from junior Addy George and senior Paige Horne, the Patriots won 25-14, 25-14, 25-20 in the cross-county non-conference rivalry.

After starting the year with a tough loss to Triton in the season opener, Pinecrest has now put together two victories, and has a record of 2-1.

"Our girls have not played much together," said longtime Patriot head coach Barbara Foxx, "and so we played nervous against a really good team in that first game against Triton.

"Although, if we played as well as we did tonight it should be a much better contest (with Triton) the second time around."

George racked up 21 kills on the night, as she was constantly causing Union Pines problems at the net.

"It felt really good to beat our rivals on their home court," said George, "I think we have it figured out now, in terms of what we need to do and who is going to be where. We are really getting to know each other.

"In our first game we were just nervous (against Triton) and did not know what to expect. However, we were able to turnaround and defeat Western Harnett, which I think was a key match for us. So now I think we are set."

Foxx had high praise for George once the match was over.

"We have a talented athlete in Addy George," said Foxx. "She has a good vertical, with hang time and playing experience. Tonight she had an excellent game and we will be expecting many good things out of her."

Vike head coach Leslie Fish echoed Foxx's sentiments concerning George.

"Addy played well," said Fish. "She has the ability to put the ball down from the front and back rows."

While Union Pines is a young and relatively inexperienced team, Fish expects more out of them then they showed on Thursday.

"I anticipated our girls to play much better than we did," Fish said, "especially in light of the fact that it was our first home match of the season against Pinecrest, one of our county rivals

"We still need to get better in our service receiving. Pinecrest got too many points from their serve. We also need to be more aggressive on the third hit with an attack or drive, as we gave them too many free balls."

Fish did feel there was something to be gained from the loss.

"It was still great experience for us," she said. "Playing against good competition will only make our girls better and tougher"

Horne, who had 15 service points, 12 assists and five kills on the night for Pinecrest, was glad to get a win in her final match at Union Pines.

"The Vikings are a big rival for us in basketball and volleyball," Horne said. "I play both, so anytime you come away with a victory here it is an added bonus."

The Vikes are now 0-3 on the young season. Sophomore Crystal Hicks was solid for Union Pines in a losing cause, as she led her team with eight digs and seven kills. The Vikings and Patriots will square off again in a rematch on Thursday afternoon at Pinecrest.

Contact F.W. Manning II at 639-5481 or by e-mail at frankwm2@gmail.com