SAND ROCK – No matter the sport, the Sand Rock student section is a colorful bunch. They were quite literally during the Lady Wildcats’ area volleyball match against West End on Monday.

Sand Rock distanced themselves from the Lady Patriots rather quickly by earning a 25-9, 25-8, 25-14 sweep.

Shortly after their sweep, the Lady Wildcats showed their appreciation. They headed to the student section to thank them for their support.

“We’ve been having a lot of fun with our students,” Lady Wildcat coach Lisa Bates said. “They’ve been going on the road with us too. At Cedar Bluff (Thursday) night, we had a huge student section. They’ve been doing different themes. I think it helps the girls look forward to games and have a little more energy and fire. I couldn’t imagine painting my whole body for a volleyball game. I think it’s fun.”

Sand Rock (8-3, 1-0) jumped out to huge early leads in each of their three sets. They went on a 9-0 run in the first set, held a 19-5 lead in the second, and claimed an early 8-1 edge in the third.

“They kind of left no doubt from the beginning. I was glad they came in to play today. I was glad they came out and performed,” Bates said. “I thought we played lively and served well. We’ve been trying to serve a little tougher. That’s how we started the first game, really serving well, and it kind of got us in a good flow.

“We were also swinging hard. I was pleased with how aggressive we were.”

Katelyn StClair led the Lady Wildcats with 14 kills and 10 digs. Chloe Stephens delivered 24 digs and five aces. Jacey Stephens posted six kills. Jadyn Foster managed four kills and four aces. Rylin StClair finished with 14 assists.

Sand Rock hosts Westbrook Christian in another area match on Thursday.