RONDA — East Surry picked up a nonconference volleyball win on the road Monday, beating East Wilkes in four.

In the battle of the Cardinals, the visiting team pulled out a close third set to take the lead, then finished the match 25-19.

“It was back and forth for the most part,” said East Surry Coach Caleb Gilley. His team took the first game 25-19, but the home squad fought back and evened the match with a 17-25 score.

Then came the pivotal third game that East Surry won 25-23.

Setter Olivia Sheets missed the first three games as she was attending a funeral, said Gilley. Frontline hitter Ashley Smith filled in at setter and provided 15 assists. Then Sheets arrived and posted 17 assists in the last two games.

Setting for Smith and Sheets was made easier by improved passing from the backline, according to the coach. That led to more offensive chances for the hitters.

Keri Fulp led the team with 14 kills and five blocks. Lindsay Marinan added 10 kills and Katelyn Markle nine.

Madison Jessup led the defense with 11 digs, Marinan and Evelyn Wells had nine each.

Serving was a key component as East Surry only had four serves miss landing in play all match.

“We struggled blocking for the first two sets, but we finally got it together,” he added.

The Cards are in the midst of a busy road week. Today, they travel to South Stokes, then it’s on to Dobson Thursday for Surry Central.