Cashiers – The Hiwassee Dam varsity volleyball team defeated Blue Ridge Early College on Oct. 14 to secure the top spot in the Little Smoky Mountain Conference. And 48 hours later, the Eagles defeated Highlands 3-0 to win the conference for the second straight season.
The three LSMC teams headed to Cashiers for the conference tournament on Oct. 16. The first match was between Blue Ridge Early College and Highlands, which the Highlanders won 3-0, so they played directly after against Hiwassee Dam to crown the conference champion.
The match started close and stayed that way. The Lady Eagles got the advantage early and claimed the first set 25-20. Highlands fought back to win the second set 25-17 to tie the match 1-1.
The Lady Eagles fought hard the remainder of the match, taking the third set 25-21 and the fourth set 25-17 to claim the conference. As the Lady Eagles scored the winning point in the fourth set, players exploded with excitement as they knew they won the Little Smoky Mountain Conference.
With the conference and tournament win, they get to host a first-round state 1A playoff game. The Lady Eagles are 6-5 at home this season.
The Lady Eagles are ranked No. 11 in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A volleyball tournament. They hosted in-county rivals Murphy (ranked No. 22) after the Cherokee Scout’s press time Tuesday.
During the regular season, Hiwassee Dam and Murphy split two games, with both winning at home. Murphy won the first meeting 3-1, while Hiwassee Dam won the second meeting 3-2.
The winner of the match will take on the winner of No. 6 ranked Christ the King vs. No. 27 South Stanly. The second-round match will be held Thursday evening.