Lady Highlanders varsity volleyball team loses tough one to Swain

Highlands girls varsity volleyball team lost to Swain last night after taking the first set but losing the next three ending in 3-1.

“It was really chaotic and we were kind of all over the place,” said Bailey Schmitt. “Their tips and blocks got us, especially when we lost Jordan.”

Abby Olvera slams the ball down on Swain’s side of the net on Tuesday. Highlands lost 3-1.

Jordan Carrier left the game after landing awkwardly on her foot during the second set. As when Kedra McCall went on the injured list, Bailey Schmitt stepped up to fill the gap. Head Coach Katy Postell said they were doing well using the new rotation from their game on Monday in Hayesville.

“We had it all together, but then Jordan got hurt,” said Postell. “All the girls tried hard and they rallied back, they just couldn’t close it.”

From left are Kedra McCall and Ava Schmitt blocking a hit by Swain on Tuesday.

Carrier’s ankle injury will likely keep her from playing in their next game against Hiwassee Dam at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27.

“It’s a sprain, it’s swollen and pretty big,” said Carrier. “I went up to spike and I think I just landed on her. It hurts. A new rotation takes a while to get used to but they fought hard.”

Reese Schmitt makes the dig against Swain’s spike.

Normally a staple of the back row, freshman Reese Schmitt played in the front row against Swain and played a strong net game. The win for Highlands was within reach and Highlands’ libero Jeslyn Head said they gave it their all up until the end.

“We never gave up,” said Head. “We fought hard and had a lot of good hustle plays but we weren’t moving as well as we did last night (against Hayesville), which is evident in the score tonight.”