Wildcats Stumble in Straight Sets After Early Lead, Fall to Maroon Devils

ANDREWS, N.C. — The Andrews Wildcats dropped a 3-1 decision to the Swain County Maroon Devils in a Smoky Mountain Conference volleyball matchup Thursday night, extending a skid that has seen them win just two of their last 10 outings.

Andrews grabbed an early edge by taking the opening set 25-18, riding a strong serving run and solid net play to build momentum against a Swain County squad they had edged 3-2 in September. But the Wildcats faltered from there, dropping the next three frames 25-20, 25-12 and 25-18 as the Maroon Devils mounted a comeback fueled by aggressive attacks and fewer errors down the stretch.

The loss dips Andrews to 10-10 on the season, a mark that reflects their recent inconsistency after a balanced start to the year. The Wildcats have now dropped eight of 10, including several tight contests where late-set execution has proved costly.

Swain County, meanwhile, improved to 10-8 with the victory, their third in a row, and showed poise in flipping the script after the slow start.

Andrews looks to rebound Tuesday, Oct. 7 with a 6 p.m. rivalry tilt against Hayesville, a matchup that could provide a spark if the Wildcats regain their first-set fire.