By Chad Stack
Sports Writer
The Lady Yellow Jackets defeated Highlands Thursday, Aug. 25, three sets to 0 improving 5-1 on the season. After Hayesville fell to Franklin on Thursday, Aug. 18, they came back and earned three consecutive wins. Starting the season at 5-1 is definitely a plus, especially with conference play just ahead.
Hayesville High School Volleyball Head Coach Tammy Dills has her team buying into the program and prepared to compete with anyone, Dills said.
“As a coach, I feel this team is capable of doing whatever they set their mind to,” Dill’s said. “I just hold them accountable along the way. During preseason, we focused on the mental/physical aspect of what buying into the program truly means.”
After preseason, Hayesville started the season undefeated at 2-0 before losing to Franklin. Although it was a tough loss, Dill’s said it was important to see how her team responded to adversity.
“The players began to understand the importance of being self-disciplined and why accountability plays a crucial role in this game,” Dills said. “As we head into conference play next week, I feel both of JV & Varsity will be “ALL IN”.”
Starting conference play this week with a 5-1 record is no small task as the Smoky Mountain Conference is expected to be highly contested.
“We as coaches, are excited to see what these teams set their minds to because our conference will be extremely tight this season,” Dills said. “You can be beat on any given night — every win will be a battle.”
“This team has one good thing going for them,” Dills said. “They all get along and have fun while working hard.”
With 27 years of coaching under her belt, Dills knows what it takes to achieve success and with two former players on her staff, Dills said it has paid big dividends.
“My two assistants coaches, Julie Ledford and Larkin Giddens former players of mine and myself stress to these ladies to understand for their teams to compete and be on top in the Smoky Mountain Conference they have to buy in to the program and bring their piece of the puzzle to form our team’s finished outcome,” Dills said. “Whether you’re the best hitter, server, passer or cheerleader, you must accept and perfect that role. Effort is the key.”
In addition, Dills said the Lady Yellow Jackets starting the season 5-1 and playing so well is because each player knows her strengths and individual responsibilities towards the team.
Hayesville hosted the Lady Bulldogs from Murphy, who are also coming into conference play with a 5-1 record on Tuesday, Aug. 30. Score will be in next week's issue.
Following their match against the Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Yellow Jackets will travel to Bryson City to take on Swain County on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m. with JV starting at 5 p.m.
The Lady Yellow Jackets Junior Varsity is also performing well with a 4-2 record on the season with their only losses to Tuscola and Franklin.