Murphy’s varsity volleyball team wrapped up its regular season with a two-game week on the road.
They opened the week with a win over Swain County, then concluded the regular season with a loss to Hayesville in a close match. The Lady Bulldogs (10-11) started the final week of the regular season on the road at Swain County (12-9) on Oct. 7.
Swain got the early lead and won the first set 25-19. Murphy fought back and dominated the second set to tie the match with a 25-9 second-set win.
The Lady Maroon Devils won the third set 25-21 in a close battle. The fourth set was another close battle, as the Lady Dogs won it 25-22 to force a fifth set.
In the fifth set, both teams battled for the win, but the Lady Dogs won 15-13 to win the match 3-2.
The Lady Dogs returned to action again on the road Thursday, when they traveled to Hayesville.
Murphy took an early lead by winning the first set 25-13. It was the first time they won a set against Hayesville since Oct. 16, 2023.
Hayesville (24-3) fought back and won the second set 25-16 to tie the match. The Lady Dogs took a 2-1 lead by winning the third set 25-20.
The Lady Yellow Jackets won the fourth set 25-16 to force a fifth set. Hayesville went on to win the fifth set 15-8 to win the match 3-2. It was the first time this season Hayesville has gone five sets in a match.
The Lady Dogs faced Swain County again in the first round of the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament Monday.
Murphy fell in their first round matchup to the Lady Maroon Devils 3-0.
Seeding for the state playoffs is Thursday.