By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Gracie Sims posted a double-double with 10 service aces and 10 kills to help Union City to a 3-0 sweep of visiting Lake County in high school volleyball on Thursday.
The Lady Tornadoes (12-1, 6-0 in District 13A) dominated from start to finish in winning 25-7, 25-11, and 25-7.
UC committed just 14 errors in the match and totaled 22 kills, 20 aces, 16 assists, and 14 digs.
Madie Theobald had a dozen assists and three saves, Madison Hillin was solid with five aces and three digs, and Kumya Liphford was credited with four kills.
Emma Claire Denman came off the bench to contribute three assists for the Twister girls, who face a stern test at Milan on Monday before a pair of home league games against South Fulton and Halls on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.
“Certainly, Monday will be a huge challenge for us, but we’re going to prepare on Sunday in practice and go in with a good mindset,” UC head coach Jessica Graham said after Thursday’s match. “I like how the girls focus on each task at hand, and how they’re focused on each opponent – no matter who it is.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL
UC 12, Milan 6
Brayson Smith’s late interception was one of four forced turnovers by the Tornado defense and sealed Union City’s road win against the Bulldogs.
Sam Kissell had a pick and a fumble recovery, and teammate Ricky Pocernich came up with an interception for the Twisters, who improved to 3-2 with another close victory. Each of UC’s three wins this season has come by eight points or less.
Bo Bondurant had four tackles, while Thomas Harrell, Jondan Muse, and Clayton Opilka were in on three stops apiece for the Purple and Gold defensive unit that allowed only a first-quarter score in the contest.
Isiah Puckett ran for 158 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, and Nash Norsworthy darted 56 yards on just two attempts and had a TD to pace the UC offense. The Tornadoes were up 12-6 at the intermission.
Union City will play host to Paris Inman next Thursday.
HIGH SCHOOL GOLF
UC 168, OC 185
Gavin McGuire posted a 37 to earn match medalist honors and lead the Tornadoes past Obion Central by 17 strokes at Wynridge Greens in Troy.
UC got steady play up and down its lineup as Brody Riley shot 40, Paul Martin Tohn carded a 45, and Coop Frankum finished with a 46. Stephen Herrell (46), Jake Lattus (51), and Garrison Bunch (57) also got in nine holes for the Twisters.
Stella Turner’s 51 was the best score of the day in the girls’ competition. Turner’s Union City teammate, Annie Beth Cruce, registered a 63.
The Tornadoes have home matches scheduled for Poplar Meadows County Club on Monday and Tuesday, vs. West Carroll and Gibson County, respectively.