By Mike London
Salisbury Post
GRANITE QUARRY — East Rowan volleyball coach Sandy Lytton frequently decides she needs Jordan Dry as an outside hitter, but she always changes her mind by the end of the day and leaves the senior at libero.
“Jordan did both jobs this summer at camps and we realize she could be a very good hitter if we went in that direction,” Lytton said. “But libero is kind of her world right now, so we’re reluctant to move her. Libero is where she’s most comfortable, and I believe she’ll be a college libero.”
The libero, a defensive player who is supposed to lead the team in digs, is always going to stand out to some extent. The libero wears white when her teammates wear blue. She’s wearing blue when they’re wearing white.
Having an athlete as versatile as Dry is a good problem for Lytton to have. High School OT listed the returning statistical leaders in the state for all classifications and Dry ranked second in digs among all the returners in 5A with 463.
“We played Lake Norman Charter a few days ago, and their libero (Missouri recruit Danielle Lewis) is one of the best I’ve ever seen,” Lytton said. “I think that inspired Jordan, and she played even more amazing than usual, but she’s played her tail off since the season started.”
East has started 3-4, but Mustang fans shouldn’t be overly alarmed. East has sought out a non-conference schedule that’s tougher than usual before starting play in the 4A/5A South Piedmont Conference. East has taken some losses in high-powered tournaments.
It was Carson’s year in Rowan County in 2024, but East quietly had a terrific season, jumping from 13 wins to 21-10, finishing third in the SPC behind the Carson and Lake Norman Charter powerhouses and making the second round of the 3A state playoffs.
The SPC has changed a bit this season with realignment and reclassification. Salisbury is a new league member, while Lake Norman Charter and Central Cabarrus have been subtracted.
East graduated Cameron Ostle, an undersized but high-flying outside hitter, from the 2024 team. Ostle was one of the top handful of players in the SPC, so that’s an important loss and a reason that Lytton has taken a serious look at Dry as a potential replacement. Ostle is playing now at Davidson-Davie Community College.
East has a strong senior class. Outside hitter Alli Corl, a Southern Wesleyan recruit, had 307 kills in 2024, a total that ranks sixth among the returning players in 5A. She’ll be the go-to hitter for the Mustangs.
“Alli is playing better than ever,” Lytton said.
Senior Jacee Eudy was credited with 791 assists and ranks second among the returning setters in 5A.
“She’s always been good, but she’s improved by leaps and bounds from a year ago.” Lytton said. “She’s a lively girl and she’s jumping higher than she ever has.
Eudy also had 273 digs last season. Corl had 289. They’re both on the leaderboard for returning players in 5A.
Leigan Lusk will be another key senior. She made it back from a severe ankle injury during the season in 2024 and while she wasn’t at 100 percent yet, she gave the Mustangs a boost with 42 blocks. She’s about 6-foot-1 and Lytton said she has the wingspan of a 6-foot-4 player, so she can get blocks and change shots in the middle. She joined Corl on the all-tournament team during East’s recent adventure in Chapel Hill.
Seniors Ava Alderman and Ava Quick will contribute. Alderman is making a comeback after missing a season and has some hitting power. Quick doesn’t have a lot of volleyball experience, but is athletic enough to help.
Junior Rylei Minton will be an important outside hitter or right-side hitter. She’ll be counted on to do some of the things Ostle did, offensively and defensively.
Junior Payton Garrett will be mostly a right-side hitter.
Junior Mikayln Causby was a jayvee setter and is athletic enough to play several defensive positions.
Sophomore Danica Machamer is a defensive specialist and a potential future libero.
Freshman Bristol Smith is expected to be a factor for the varsity right away in the middle.
East has a good freshman setter in Addison Barrier. She’s already getting some varsity time.
Bailey Faavesi and Emory Stewart are two more talented freshmen who will play some on the varsity. East’s program is in good shape. The freshmen group is big.
This is the 10th year as East’s head coach for Lytton. She’s about 10 years past the standard retirement age for teachers, but she still loves coaching the volleyball team. The Mustangs may drive her crazy occasionally, but mostly they make her laugh and keep her young at heart. She’s coached 85 wins at East and had a super season in 2022 (with Leah Hinceman, Riley Hill and Anasty Faavesi), as well as last season’s success.
