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SM spikers defeat North Buncombe
Smoky Mountain turned back North Buncombe 25-20, 12-25, 25-13, 25-19 in a Mountain Athletic Conference volleyball match last Thursday at the SM gym.
It was the first victory for the program over the Lady Hawks since 2001.
“They were really pumped up because it was important to them as a team that they beat North Buncombe,” Coach Tonya Wilson said. “That showed on the court as each individual did her part to give us a win.”
Amy Haggard put down 15 kills, and Kristine Webb had 10. They were followed by Jennifer Webb with eight and Bridget Brannigan with seven.
Smoky Mountain’s Amy Haggard goes for one of her 15 kills in last Thursday’s victory over North Buncombe. Also pictured are Katie Crisp (4) and Lillian Crites (10). – Photo by Mark Haskett
“Bridget and Amy both had big games,” Wilson said. “They played solidly on offense and defense. It was the biggest game each one of them has had at the net.”
The coach said the plan was to use the left side hitters more, and Brannigan and Haggard came through.
Wilson added that Laura Bowers gave the team a lift off the bench, especially with her serving.
The Lady Mustangs (4-1, 2-0) took the lead for good in the first game at 7-6 after four points, including two aces, by Amy Haggard and Kristine Webb’s kill. Erin Hayes added three points, including an ace, and Jennifer Webb put down a kill for an 11-6 advantage. Sarah Haggard served the final three points with the game ending on Katie Crisp’s kill.
The Lady Hawks dominated the second game holding SM to three offensive points. North opened a 12-5 lead, and the outcome was never in doubt.
The Lady Mustangs regained control in game three. They went up 8-6 as Hayes served three points while Jennifer Webb had two kills and Brannigan added one. Brannigan reeled off eight straight points, including two aces, and had a back row spike as the margin grew to 18-9. Amy Haggard had two kills in the run. Hayes served the final point as Jennifer Webb ended the game with a block.
SM never trailed in game four after Sarah’s Haggard’s three service points made it 8-5. Amy Haggard served three points, and Kristine Webb had a kill upping the lead to 17-11. North cut the gap to 18-16 but could come no closer. The match ended on a side out.
Brannigan, Hayes and Amy Haggard all had nine service points. Bowers was perfect in 11 serves, and Katie Johnson got all four of hers in. Amy Haggard served 94.1 percent. Team serving was 82.6 percent.
The Lady Mustang JVs are 3-2 after a 25-23, 25-14 win.
“I was pleased with the way they played,” Wilson said. “They showed a lot of heart, and they came to win.”
She singled out Kelly Childress for her play on the back row.
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