The Sandhills Flyers volleyball team recorded its first home win of the season Friday, defeating Rockingham Community College, 25-16, 25-16, 25-17 at Heins Gymnasium.

"We got our first win at home, and that is always a plus," said Flyers head coach Alicia Hill.

The Flyers jumped ahead early in all three games thanks to a solid service game that the first-year head coach described as "impressive" and "aggressive."

Bethany Neller, Amber Otkin and Sarah Thomas had seven service aces each to pace the victors. Neller added seven digs and three kills.

"The first game tonight was the first one all season where we didn't miss a serve," Hill said.

The one thing that Hill expressed concern about after the match was her team's inconsistent play.

"When we play a good team we rise to the occasion," she said. "When we play teams that we should put away we let them hang around, chip away and gain a point here and there."

The Flyers did just that in each of the three games. The home team built a double-digit lead in each game, only to have RCC climb back into the match.

The Flyers were able to close out each game thanks to steady all-around team play.

Amber Otkin, one of two returnees from last season, recorded a team-high nine kills and added eight digs.

Brittany Karshner, a Pinecrest graduate and second-year player with the Flyers, added eight digs.

Stephanie Powell (four kills), and a pair of North Moore graduates, Alisha Ritter (9 assists) and Angie Cruz (8 assists) added key contributions.

The Flyers improved to 2-2 overall with the win. The team traveled to Sanford Thursday to play Central Carolina Community College. The next home game is Sept. 16 against Brunswick Community College. Game time is 6 p.m.

"Hopefully we can get a couple of wins and build some confidence and then string together a winning streak," Hill said.

Contact Tom Embrey at 693-2477 or by e-mail at sports@thepilot.com.