Hayesville Volleyball Goes 2-1 in Busy Opening Week

(Photo by The Mountain Buzz)

Savannah Burch, last year's Smoky Mountain Conference Specialist of the Year, was instrumental in the Lady Jackets' two opening-week wins.

By Travis Dockery

Sports Writer

HAYESVILLE, N.C. — The Hayesville Lady Yellow Jackets varsity volleyball team went 2-1in the first week of the season, sweeping Highlands and Hiwassee Dam after falling in five sets to Smoky Mountain.

Hayesville dropped a competitive 3-2 decision to Smoky Mountain on Monday, Aug. 10. The Lady Jackets lost the first set 25-18, rallied to win the second 26-24, fell 25-23 in the third, took the fourth 25-18 and dropped the decisive fifth set 15-12.

Hayesville then swept Highlands 3-0 on Tuesday, Aug.11 with set scores of 25-15, 25-18 and 25-15. The Lady Jackets closed the week with another 3-0 sweep of Hiwassee Dam, winning 25-10, 26-24 and 25-11 on Thursday, Aug. 13.

Senior Savannah Burch directed the Hayesville offense throughout the week while contributing defensively. Micalynn McClure and Maddie Farmer provided key offensive production, and Eva Jones added effective attack options at the net.

Defensively, Reese Segars and Charlotte Pullum stabilized the back row with their passing and serve-receive work. Pullum also delivered a key serving stretch against Hiwassee Dam that helped Hayesville regain momentum in a tight second set. Jasmine Brooks contributed important blocks at the net, while Aaliyah Jackson added aggressive serving and defensive effort. Danielle Anderson provided valuable minutes off the bench, and Lucy Trout contributed timely offense.

Hayesville showed resilience by extending rallies and responding in close situations. The Lady Jackets will continue working on communication, serve-receive organization and offensive transition as the season progresses.

The Lady Yellow Jackets' schedule has gone through a makeover due to air conditioner replacement in the Darryl K. McClure gymnasium. Hayesville's next match will be Tuesday, Aug. 25th at 6 p.m.