Lady Cyclones battle but fall to Hilltoppers in straight sets
Published 12:53 pm Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Star Correspondent/Ron Marvel Abby Gwinn serves during the first game.
Star Correspondent/Ron Marvel Ainsley Wampler goes for a kill shot against the Hilltoppers.
Star Correspondent/Ron Marvel Jasy Shell and Ainsley Stout go up for a block.
Star Correspondent/Ron Marvel The Cyclones look to extend the match in the second game.
Star Correspondent/Ron Marvel The Lady Cyclones demonstrate good teamwork and communication despite falling to the Hilltoppers.
Star Correspondent/Ron Marvel Lady Cyclones head volleyball coach Greg Abarientos makes adjustments between sets.
Star Correspondent/Ron Marvel Junior Ainsley Wampler lays out to bump the serve.
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By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
The Science Hill Hilltoppers may simply be the standard in East Tennessee when it comes to girls volleyball — yes, they are that good. So the Lady Cyclones should not hang their heads when it comes to falling to the 21-1 Lady Hilltoppers.
Each set followed a familiar pattern, with the Lady Hilltoppers jumping out to a lead midway through the set, only for the Lady Cyclones to rally. But each time the Lady Cyclones would get close, the Hilltoppers would slowly distance themselves and close out the set. The final scores in the three sets were 25-16, 25-16, and 25-17.
Zyleigh Bates led the Cyclones in digs, while Jocelyn Julian led the way in assists. Ainsley Wampler and Ava Wilber led in kills. The 13-6 Lady Cyclones will now turn their attention to the Sullivan East Lady Patriots, as they travel to Bluff City today in a pivotal match. Should they win, they will then face Greeneville for the right to the conference title.
Post-game, Head Lady Cyclones Coach Greg Abarientos reflected on his team’s status. “That is a really good team; they move really well, have great size, and are very well coached. Games like this can tell you how to get better and improve. We have to make sure we do the right things tomorrow night against a scrappy, tough East team.”
