In a knock-down, drag-out grudge match between Highlands and Blue Ridge middle school girls’ volleyball teams, Highlands walked away with the win ending 2-1.
Highlands took the first set, Blue Ridge took the second, and it boiled down the third with a final of 15-13 Highlands.
“Our strategy is to play fundamental volleyball; we pass, we set, we hit, and that is what my girls did,” said Highlands Coach Angela Swain. “They play very well offensively always trying to get an attack at the end of the play. We volleyed a lot last night and the girls hung in there.”
Blue Ridge Coach Pollyanna Ballentine said the girls played with heart and hustle in their first game of the season.
“They tried really hard and I’m extremely proud of them,” said Ballentine. “We may have not got the win this time, but they have nothing to be ashamed of, they played hard and didn’t give up. “
Swain said Highlands Jasmine Oakley consistently had great passes and Olivia Cole consistently had hard serves and did a good job keeping up team spirit. Both of these players are Highlands’ team captains.
Ballentine said Blue Ridge was disappointed by the loss, but are driven to play Highlands again.
“I would highlight all of my girls for giving all of their effort and laying their hearts out on the court,” she said. “The enthusiasm and excitement from each girl were all that I could’ve ever asked for.”
Blue Ridge next plays at 4 p.m. on Sept. 5 away against Scotts Creek.
Highlands next plays at 4 p.m. at home on Sept. 3 against Summit Charter School.
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
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