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Cindi Simmons recorded her 300th volleyball coaching victory, and Smoky Mountain clinched a playoff berth despite playing a non-conference opponent with a 15-10, 15-12, 15-10 win over Andrews last Thursday at the SM gym.
Simmons had joined the 300 victory club in basketball last season.
"I've been fortunate to coach a number of talented and dedicated athletes through the years," she said. "This is a reflection of the young ladies who have come through our program. This is an accomplishment for them."
The Lady Mustangs (16-4) wrapped up a playoff spot and at least a tie for the Western Athletic Conference championship when Brevard upset Franklin the same night.
"That's one of our goals that our players have worked really hard for," Simmons said. "We want to continue to strive for other goals we've set as a team."
The coach was impressed with the performance turned in by the Lady Wildcats.
"Andrews has a very competitive team and has some athletic players in skill positions," she said. "They came over ready to play. It was a situation where we had a very emotional game Tuesday against Franklin. It says a lot for our players that they could put that match behind them and beat this team."
The Lady Mustangs took the lead for good in game one at 5-2 with three points, including an ace, from Abbey Higgins and Tara Green's kill. Lindsey Lewis followed with three points making it 8-2. The margin was 12-4 after Cassie Proffitt's three points and Green's kill. Kaitlin Ritchie served the last two points of the game, which ended on Green's kill.
The Lady Wildcats led game two 6-2 before Higgins' three points, including an ace, cut the gap to 6-5. Andrews pulled away to lead 11-6, put SM came roaring back behind the serving of Higgins.
She reeled off six points, including two aces, while Melissa Collins, Lewis and Green all had kills for a 14-11 advantage. The Lady Mustangs failed to convert six game points before Higgins ended it with an ace.
Ritchie's serving helped SM open a 7-1 lead in the third game. She had six straight points, including four aces, and Lewis contributed a kill. Andrews came roaring back for a 7-7 tie but was never able to take the lead. Ritchie served the final three points with Lewis recording a kill.
Lewis led in kills with 16, and Ritchie was right behind with 15. Green finished with nine. Collins had 22 assists, and Higgins recorded nine.
In serve receptions, Green was 16 of 18, Amanda Magruder was nine of 11, Proffitt was 12 of 15, and Ritchie was 11 of 14.
Higgins led in service points with 15 and served 95.2 percent. Ritchie had 13 points while serving 95 percent. Proffitt didn't miss in 15 serves, and Lewis served 90 percent. Team serving was 92 percent.
The Lady Mustang JVs are 9-9 after a 15-12, 15-4 victory.
"Everybody got to play, and everybody played well," Coach Nikki Young said. "We had good passing."
The last scheduled match of the regular season will be Tuesday at home against Enka. Senior Night will be observed, and parents of all players will be recognized.
Some matches may be added before the playoffs open Oct. 31. The WAC champion will start the playoffs at home with the second seed opening on the road.
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