Franklin Sweeps Murphy in Dominant Volleyball Victory

FRANKLIN, N.C. — The Murphy High School varsity volleyball team faced a tough challenge on Monday, Sept. 30, 3-0 to Franklin High School in a non-conference road match. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 304 in North Carolina and No. 27 in their class, battled but couldn’t overcome the dominant Panthers, dropping to an 8-8 overall record.

Murphy struggled to find momentum against Franklin’s relentless attack, with set scores of 19-25, 11-25, and 18-25. The loss marked a continuation of the Bulldogs’ even split in road games, now standing at 4-4 away from home. Their overall set record remains balanced at 27-27, reflecting a .500 win percentage for the 2025-26 season.

Despite the defeat, Murphy showed resilience in the first and third sets, keeping the scores competitive at 19 and 18 points, respectively. The Bulldogs, who hold a 3-6 record in conference play, faced a formidable Franklin squad ranked No. 40 in the state with a 20-2 overall record and a perfect 10-0 home record.

The match highlighted the challenges Murphy faces as they navigate a competitive season. The Bulldogs will look to rebound as they host Andrews on Tuesday, Sept. 30.