By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Montevallo High School volleyball coach Tena Niven knows the two keys to success for her Bulldogs this season.

The Bulldogs excelled in both serving and passing in a sweep of Jemison and West Blocton on the opening night of the season Aug. 18.

Montevallo defeated Jemison 25-12, 25-8 in its first match of the season. The Bulldogs followed up the victory with a 25-12, 25-11 sweep of West Blocton.

“For us to win, we’ve got to serve and pass well,” Niven said. “There were a lot of bright spots tonight.”

Mallory Anderson led the Bulldogs (2-0) with five kills, six service aces and six digs in the win over Jemison.

Kathryn Ray added four kills and 10 assists in the victory. McKenna Anderson and Sarah Hyde added four service aces each.

Mallory Anderson recorded eight kills and nine digs in the Bulldogs’ sweep of West Blocton.

Ray chipped in three kills, eight assists and six digs in the win.  Maryann Lee contributed nine digs in the match.

Niven said the two matches allowed her to get a good look at her younger players.

“We got a lot of kids involved tonight,” Niven said. “Everybody got to see a little playing time.”