MURPHYSBORO - Malaikah Love's not scared.

Carbondale's sophomore middle hitter that was more well-known for her track endeavors last season wasn't afraid to tell people volleyball's possibly her better spot in the Terriers' volleyball opener Thursday night.

The former junior varsity standout that was promoted to the varsity last season out of offensive need made Murphysboro in need of someone to block her, scoring a team-high six kills to lead Carbondale past the Lady Red Devils, 25-16, 25-13.

"It's more of a team sport," Love said. "In track, you have your own event, and you try to win your event, where in volleyball, you have all these other skills. You have a big floor of talent, and you have to try to make it work."

With Carbondale up 20-14 in Game 1, Love made a lot of things work at Murphysboro Middle School. After a Murphysboro timeout, Love drilled two home from her middle hitter position to make it 22-14. A Lindsey Qualls ace made it 23-14, and after Love delivered again from the middle of the court, the Terriers were at game point.

A Jessica Stanley attack was blocked out of bounds, giving the ball back to the Red Devils, but last year's South Seven Conference in the long jump, triple jump and 200-meter dash made up for a hitting error with a kill to win Game 1.

Love only had one kill in the second game, but it was a memorable one - coming from her middle hitter spot around the right side to connect with a back set from Carbondale's Megan Hughes to close the match.

"You have yet to see the best of her," Carbondale coach Jennifer Stanley said. "It's gotta be a toss-up, but volleyball is her game, and I know she also has track. Malaikah, no doubt, is our emotional leader."

Christy Long had five kills and seven service points in Game 2 for the Terriers (1-0), who host the SI Preview Tournament this weekend.

The game was moved from the high school to the middle school because of complications resurfacing the high school gymnasium's floor. Murphysboro Athletic Director Len Novara said the volleyball team could play its next home game, Sept. 8, against Red Bud if everything goes well.

todd.hefferman@thesouthern.com

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