The Lady Yellow Jacket volleyball team from Hayesville finished its season with pair of matches against Smoky Mountain Conference opponents. Hayesville hosted its final home event Wednesday, Jan. 6, a match that ended with the Lady Jackets celebrating a 2-0 win over Rosman. For their final match of the season, Hayesville travelled to Swain County. Despite looking destined to lose, the Lady Jackets showed grit came from behind to win the match 2-1.
For their final face-off in The Hive, the Lady Jackets had to fight hard but were able to snag the early momentum with a 25-20 win in the first set against Rosman. The Lady Tigers showed they came to town expecting to compete and kept pace with Hayesville in the second set. The Lady Jackets were able to put together a run just in time and took the match with a 25-22 set win.
To end the season, Hayesville made the trip to Bryson City to take on the Lady Maroon Devils. The Lady Jackets picked up where they left off with Rosman by winning the opening set 25-23. However, the tide turned in set two as Swain bounced back with a big 25-15 victory of their own. The Lady Devils continued their success into the third and deciding set, pulling away from Hayesville from the opening volley.
With their backs against the wall and seemingly on their way to defeat, the Lady Jackets ramped up their intensity and began to fight back. As Swain was just 1 point from victory, Hayesville took control and the lead on their way to a 16-14 win to take the set and match.
Head coach Laurie Shook said, “It was good to end the season with those two big wins.” The success of the middle school volleyball program shines a bright light on the future of Hayesville High School teams.