Highlands Middle School volleyball team sweeps Eagle Ridge 2-0

It was two-up and two-down for Highlands Middle School volleyball team as they beat Eagle Ridge on Monday.

“I felt like we did really well,” said Head Coach Angela Swain. “We had good communication, good teamwork and we played smart, always three touches.”

Emily Briggs turns a potential freeball to Eagle Ridge into a hit on Monday.

8th-grader Emily Briggs was making hits happen right and left and said it was good to get a win.

“After a couple of losses we were getting frustrated,” said Briggs. “So we decided our attitudes need to change and we came out talking and did well.”

Karen Gomez picks up a pass a bit off the mark to bring it back into play against Eagle Ridge on Monday.

6th-grader Karen Gomez stepped on the court during the second game and was almost immediately in the server hot-seat with a win within grasp.

“I was really nervous,” said Gomez. “I didn’t think I’d get it over, but I just believed in myself and I got it over.”

Also stepping up to help close the second game was 6th-grader Callie Zachary who said she was pleased with the team’s performance tonight.

“It was wonderful,” said Zachary. “We were communicating well and when I was out there I just wanted to play hard and do a good job.”

Callie Zachary bumps the ball over the net against Eagle Ridge on Monday.

Highlands finds themselves up in the conference final on Friday at 4:30 p.m. at home against Rabun Gap. Eagle Ridge was supposed to compete as well but had to cancel. Highlands is looking ahead with confidence.

“I know if our girls show up we’ll do fine,” said Swain.