Cherokee Sweeps Hayesville to End Lady Jackets’ Season in Third Round

CHEROKEE, N.C. — The Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets saw their strong volleyball season come to an end Thursday night, falling 3-0 to the Cherokee Lady Braves in the third round of the NCHSAA 1A state tournament.

It marked the fourth meeting this season between the two Smoky Mountain Conference rivals, with Cherokee claiming victory each time.

Despite the loss, Hayesville finishes its campaign with an impressive 26-5 record. The Lady Jackets captured a midseason tournament championship at North Henderson, placed second in the SMC regular season and finished as runner-up in the conference tournament and an appearance in the Sweet 16.

The departure of several key seniors will leave big shoes to fill, but with a talented group of returners and promising junior varsity players expected to move up, Hayesville is poised to remain a contender in the SMC next year.