Highlands junior varsity volleyball team won their first match of the season against rival Blue Ridge at home on Monday with a final of 2-0.
Highlands Bella Branham sets up for the kill against Blue Ridge,
Highlands Coach Katy Postell said they played well but there’s work to be done.
“That was JVs first win,” she said. “They are doing great, they are playing hard, and improving every game; that’s what JV is all about.”
Blue Ridge Mercedes McLaughlin hammers it down against Highlands on Monday.
The Lady Highlanders lost their captain and starter Emma Minton last week to a knee injury, so the team was forced to make some adjustments.
“The girls are stepping up and filling her leadership gap, but we miss her on the court,” said Postell. “We have a lot of girls, and some of them are brand new to the game, but they all work hard, and I am just lucky to have such a hard-working great team.”
Highlands Karmen Jenkins was making digs all over the court at home on Monday against Blue Ridge.
Postell added that this isn’t the first time the team has had to pull together when the road gets bumpy.
“We have had to adjust to several issues this season, but they are able to roll with whatever we have thrown at them, and that makes me proud,” said Postell.
Blue Ridge Jazi Ferrin sets it up against Highlands on Monday.
Blue Ridge Coach Carlton Fowler said it is early in the season but he likes what he’s seeing so far despite Monday’s loss.
“They played well, this was only their second game of the season and with the rivalry there were some nerves, but once they settled in they did a great job,” said Fowler. “Highlands has a really-good team, but we are looking forward to the rematch.”
From left are Highlands Ashlynn Wilson and Zaia Rodriguez getting into position after the ball is served against Blue Ridge.
On Tuesday Blue Ridge faced off against Cherokee at home and won 3-0.
“After getting the nerves out and coming off a two-week layoff before playing Highlands our lady’s JV came out against Cherokee and played like rock stars,” said Fowler. “Cherokee’s JV has a really-good team and that made this win even more impressive. Our ladies have worked really hard to improve and they certainly earned this win. We couldn’t be more proud of our team.”
Highlands next plays at 5 p.m. at home on Sept. 16 against Hayesville.
Blue Ridge next plays at 5:30 p.m. on Sept.12 away against Victory Christian.
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
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