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Lady Mustang spikers reach midpoint as Western Athletic Conference leaders
SMHS's Tara Green Herald photo by Carey Phillips

Tara Green handled a serve reception in last week's victory at Enka. The Lady Mustangs finished the first half of the Western Athletic Conference volleyball season in first place.

Smoky Mountain completed the second half of the Western Athletic Conference volleyball season in sole possession of first place after a 16-14, 16-14, 15-8 victory last Thursday at Enka.

The Lady Mustangs are 12-4 overall and 6-0 in the league. Franklin is 5-1 with Enka 4-2. The top two teams will advance to the state 3-A playoffs.

"It was a great effort," Coach Cindi Simmons said. "We had our backs to the wall in games one and two but wouldn't be denied. We're happy to be in first place at the midway point of the season, but we know we have a lot of work ahead of us and must continue to keep our focus."

SM held off Enka game points and came from behind to win the first two games.

The serving of Melissa Collins was a key as she ran off 15 consecutive points spanning games one and two.

Kaitlin Ritchie led the way at the net with 15 kills and five blocks. Lindsey Lewis had nine kills and three blocks. Katie Loughlin finished with seven kills. Collins was credited with 21 assists, and Abbey Higgins had 12.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first game. The Lady Mustangs didn't score until their eighth serve but still were tied 3-3 after three points from Cassie Proffitt and Ritchie's consecutive kills. They went five serves before scoring again as Ritchie served four points, including an ace, and Lewis had back-to-back kills.

The Lady Jets charged back to lead 14-9, but after missing game point they didn't get to serve again. Collins reeled off the final seven points, including two aces.

Ritchie and Loughlin both recorded kills, and Higgins contributed a block.

Collins picked up right where she left off in game two by running off the first eight points. Ritchie was dominant at the net with three kills and a block, and Higgins had a kill. The momentum quickly swung to Enka with a 12-1 run putting the Sugar Jets up 14-11. Lewis served the final four points. Ritchie had two kills, including one for the game-winner, and Loughlin had a kill.

Collins' serving was the catalyst as SM opened a 12-4 advantage in the third game. She had four points, including an ace, while Higgins and Loughlin had kills and Ritchie added a block. Higgins served the two clinching points.

"Melissa's serving was outstanding," Simmons said. "It really got our momentum going."

Collins finished with 20 points and served 96.3 percent. Tara Green didn't miss in 10 serves. Higgins served 90.9 percent, and Proffitt served 90 percent. Team serving was 89.4 percent.

The Lady Mustang JVs are 7-7 after a 15-5, 13-15, 15-11 win.

"We played well again on the road," Coach Nikki Young said. "It's always good to beat Enka. It seemed for the first time all six on the floor were clicking and playing together as a team. We passed well as a team."

She said Elizabeth Trine and Brittany Hilton both played well at their middle positions.

Back to Sports: 09/28/00.