Hiwassee Dam – Thursday was not the easiest night for the Lady Eagles at The Nest.
Facing a scrappy but skilled Cherokee team, the Lady Eagles could never get going, falling to the Lady Braves in three sets (25-14, 25-9, 25-13). The Lady Braves did not play with as much energy as they did two days earlier against Murphy, and there was an opportunity for Hiwassee Dam (1-13 overall) to make the match more competitive, as they had a size advantage up front with their hitters.
However, the first touch and passing wasn’t there enough to get the offense into a rhythm. Freshman Brooklyn Hyde continues to perform admirably at setter in place of injured senior Payton McNabb, though the Lady Braves’ cohesiveness, strong defensive play and work at the service line eventually made the difference.
Hiwassee Dam came out ready to play with a 9-7 lead in the first set, getting kills from Olivia McNabb and Brinkley Payne along with service aces from Payne and Allison Stiles. But Cherokee continued to grind, going on a 17-1 run to force set point. The last eight points during that run came with Lady Braves setter Creedon Arch at the service line.
Cherokee (9-6) brought it from the get-go in the second set, leading 6-2 and rolling from there. The Lady Braves’ volleyball IQ showed in the second set, taking advantage when Hiwassee Dam was out in position and slow to react.
The third set was more of the same, with Cherokee leading from the opening points. A 6-4 Lady Braves lead grew to 10-4, and the set was never close again. Despite having just one substitute the whole match, the Lady Eagles competed until the final point. Head coach Monica Wayman declined to comment after the match.
The Lady Eagles hosted Murphy on Monday night and travel to Fannin County, Ga., on Thursday.