By Gary Corsair
Sports Writer
The Hayesville High School volleyball was bounced from the State Volleyball Tournament in Asheboro Tuesday night in Asheboro, not because the Yellow Jackets were outplayed, but because Coach Tammy Dills’ team spent more time on the road than in the gym.
“We drove on a bus for 20 hours plus the last four days. Being the high seed in the playoffs puts you on the road,” Dills stated after Uwharrie Charter School topped Hayesville, 25-12, 25-18, 25-22.
As the score indicates, Hayesville got stronger as the second-round playoff match on Uwharrie’s home floor progressed. But all those miles on the road were too much to overcome.
“We finally figured out how to play them. We changed our defense in the third game, but it was too late,” Coach Dills said. “When you have to deal with back-to-backs with that much travel, it takes a toll.”
Hayesville, seeded 21st, advanced to the second round by upsetting No. 12 seed Cornerstone Charter of Greensboro, 3-2 (18-25, 25-16, 25-10, 19-25, 15-13).
“Coming off the road and beating the 12 seed was absolutely the highlight of the year,” Coach Dills remarked.
The Yellow Jackets stunned Cornerstone with a stunning rally in the deciding fifth game. Down 9-2, Hayesville stormed back to tie the game at 9-all as Katie Pierce scored 5 consecutive service points. Later, Madison Moore’s serves produced 9 points in a row to lift Hayesville to victory. Freshman Olivia Giddens, promoted from the JV, was also instrumental in the win. She had 10 kills, a pair of aces, and an assist.
“Olivia Giddens had an exceptional night. I moved her and several others up from JVs. With the game being so important she never played like a freshman,” Coach Dills said.
The upset over Cornerstone was a totally team effort.
Moore totalled 4 aces, 14 kills, 2 blocks and 2 digs. Pierce contributed 19 digs, 5 assists, 2 aces, 2 kills, and 2 blocks.
Other key contributions came from Emma Shook (38 assists, 18 digs, 1 ace), Mallory Peck (9 k).ills, 1 block, 2 digs), Phoebe Pietila (23 digs), Gracie Perry (10 digs), Anneliese Scheu (10 kills, 3 digs), and Kaydence Wood (8 digs
“Saturday, everyone was doing their job,” Coach Dills said. “They did all the little things.”
The Yellow Jackets finished with a 13-11 record (4-6 in the Smoky Mountain Conference) with a young roster.
The future looks bright. Only five seniors graduate, and the Hayesville JV finished 18-3 and was a perfect 12-0 in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Plus, eight incoming freshmen look like they will contribute to what should be a banner year in 2023.
“I’ve got some good talent coming up. Just wait ‘til next year,” Coach Dills said.