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The 2018 volleyball season got started off in a big way for the Maplesville Red Devils following a four-set victory over Thorsby.

The Red Devils won the first two sets, but did so in different fashion.

Maplesville fell behind 12-7 early in the first set, but came back to win the set 25-21 thanks to a scoring run that was fueled by the serving of Janiya Moore and the net play of Katie Beth Payton and TyDasia Davis.

“We move our feet way better, and we’re a lot more confident than we were last year,” Maplesville’s Macey James said.

Winning the second set was a little more straightforward for Maplesville, after scoring the first nine points of the frame with James serving. The Red Devils went on to win the set 25-15.

James finished with a team-high nine aces on the night, five of which came during that opening run in the second set.

According to James, serving well can help lift a team. Her service game and setting have been two things that she has worked on during the offseason.

Throughout the night, the Red Devils seemed to be in control of the match. They maintained their composure and chased down balls to keep plays alive on multiple occasions.

“A few of those balls that they saved, would have fallen [last year],” Maplesville head coach Stacy McGehee said.

After Thorsby battled back to extend the contest with a 25-21 third-set victory, Maplesville closed it out with a commanding 25-14 result in the fourth and final set.

According to McGehee, one of the biggest differences in this year’s team is the resolve that they’ve shown when they get down or experience a rough patch during a game.

“That’s just the work ethic and the mindset of these kid’s this year,” McGehee said. “I’ve got a lot of seniors, and they believe in what we’re trying to do, which makes it easier.”