by Travis Dockery
Digital Media Director
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(Photo Submitted) Coach Laurie Shook gives her team instruction during a timeout in Hayesville's win over Cherokee.
It's been a start/stop beginning of the season for Hayesville's middle school volleyball squad. With only seven players, the Lady Jackets dropped their season opener Andrews, 2-1.
After that match, COVID quarantine protocol shut team activities down for an extended period of time. On Tuesday, Sept. 7, Coach Laurie Shook and her team returned to The Hive to face Cherokee. A hard-fought opening set gave Hayesville a 1-0 advantage after downing the Lady Braves 25-20,
Set two was a shock as the momentum from the first set was nowhere to be found for the Lady Jackets. Cherokee dominated and evened things up with a 25-8 victory in the set.
The third and deciding set was a nail-biter. Cherokee got off to a solid start and looked to be destined to win. Down 13-7, Ava Shook stepped to the serve line for the Lady Jackets and led the comeback charge, leading Hayesville to a 15-13 victory.
The Lady Jackets will travel to Robbinsville Tuesday, Sept. 14 and will again be on the road Thursday, Sept.16 to take on Hiwassee Dam. Start time for both matches is set for 4 p.m.
Standout performances:
Ava Shook: served 8 straight points
Ava Moore: 100% serving
Savannah Burch: 100% serving
Bryleigh Krieger: four ace serves
Jasmine Brooks: six blocks
Olivia Giddens: four digs