The Union Pines volleyball team picked up a critical conference victory in convincing fashion Tuesday, sweeping Overhills in three sets at Bob Ward Gymnasium.

Senior Kelsey Troyer paced the homestanding Lady Viking attack with a match-high 19 kills on the night.

“This was a big game,” said Troyer after the tilt. “A few of my teammates and I were talking about it today during school and we were all pumped. We all had our game faces on and were ready to go.

“Personally I felt really comfortable going into it tonight and I guess I did OK. When preparing for this rematch, coach (Leslie) Fish stressed serve-receiving, good first passes and quality coverage when defending hits. We did a pretty good job out there in all those areas.”

In the first meeting between the schools this season, Union Pines held a two-set lead before dropping three straight to lose a five-set match to Overhills in Spring Lake.

With Tuesday’s 25-21, 25-17 and 25-10 win, Union Pines improved to 10-8 overall and 4-3 in 3-A Cape Fear Valley Conference play.

The loss was just the second for the Overhills Jaguars in league action as the squad fell to 6-2 in the CFVC standings and 8-8 overall.

Libero Brittney Erickson, the only other senior on the Lady Viking squad, led her team in digs with 13. Meanwhile, Union Pines sophomore setter Megan Harris had a match-high 28 assists. Junior middle hitter Tiffany Hicks also had a strong night for the Vikes with four blocks and six kills.

After the match Fish spoke about her team stepping up to meet the challenge in what she felt was a must-win situation.

“I am definitely pleased with the way the girls responded,” said Fish. “They knew this was a big match for us and the outcome would probably go a long way in determining how the rest of our conference season went.

“The girls came out ready. They also worked hard Monday in practice, tweaking some things, and it showed. We had the spots where Overhills liked to hit covered and played good defense on attacks.

“I am just really proud of their effort and hope it continues.”

Union Pines finished the week Thursday with another key CFVC contest in Hope Mills against Gray’s Creek.

The Vikes are back in action Tuesday for a league clash against Southern Lee in Sanford at 5:30 p.m.