By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
The Lady Highlanders hosted Smoky Mountain on Monday night and ended up with a loss after a 3-1 best of five final.
“With it being our first game, I knew it wasn’t going to be perfect,” said Highlands Coach Kaitlin Bishop. “We did some really good things and saw some things we definitely have to get better at. We have a group that plays hard and that is going to benefit us a lot, I mean this group really gets after it.”
Highlands Cayden Pierson takes aim and hits the ball to the far corner for a point against Smoky Mountain on Monday at home.
Bishop said they have a lot of girls playing in new positions after losing 7 seniors last year.
Highlands Mallory Shriver scores one for the Lady Highlanders.
“Building confidence as a team and individually is something we are really trying to do right now,” she said. “This group is younger, but they play with so much grit which is so fun to see as a coach. This team is scrappy in the best of ways, and I am really excited to see the accomplishments we make this season.”
Highlands Libero Kaen Gomez is ready to return Smoky Mountain’s serve on Monday at home.
Despite the fact many players were in new positions, there are a lot of things the Lady Highlanders did right.
“We did a good job of keeping the sets close, we never let them just take over,” said Bishop. “We made some really big hustle plays that kept us in the games. We had a couple different times we could have thrown in the towel and gave up, but this group never did. They fought hard till the end, even when things didn’t work out in our favor they kept battling.”
Highlands Mac Woods serves up an ace against Smoky Mountain at home.
Highlands junior varsity fared better in their match against Smoky Mountain and won 2-0.
“They played very well for it being their first game,” said Bishop. “This group is a hard-working group! Very excited to see where their hard work and dedication take them this season!”
Highlands Aislynn Wyatt-Luck puts up a solid block against Smoky Mountain.
Highlands junior varsity teamed fared a little better and beat Smoky Mountain 2-0.
“They played very well for it being their first game,” said Bishop. “This group is a hard working group! Very excited to see where their hard work and dedication take them this season!”
The Lady Highlanders celebrate after winning a tough set against Smoky Mountain.
Highlands next plays Aug. 16 on the road against Rosman, JV begins at 5 p.m. and varsity at 6 p.m.
Highlands Olivia Corbin gets airborne with a jump serve against Smoky Mountain.
Highlands Aislynn Wyatt-Luck fakes setting up hitter Mallory Shriver and sends a sneaky freeball over the net.
Highlands Cayden Pierson slams the ball down for a point against Smoky Mountain.
Highlands Karen Gomez serves to Smoky Mountain on Monday.
Highlands Mallory Shriver (arms wide) is ready to return Smoky Mountain’s serve.
Highlands Olivia Corbin passes against Smoky Mountain at home.