West Henderson players celebrate a point in Saturday’s 3-0 sweep of Enka.
HENDERSONVILLE – Entering the third round of the NCHSAA 3-A volleyball playoffs, there was a sense of familiarity between West Henderson and Enka as both teams took the court.
The Falcons opened the season against the Sugar Jets, sweeping them in three sets. With an Enka team looking for revenge, the Falcons knew they were in for a tough match Saturday.
West Henderson was quick to end any hope of revenge for its opponent, sweeping the third-round rematch in three sets. The team has been dominant during the playoffs, as the Falcons (27-0) have yet to lose a set.
“At the beginning of the season they played us really well,” senior Destynee Galloway said. “We knew they had improved since that first game, we had to bring our A-game today.”
Coach Tiffany Lowrance has been pleased by her team’s early success during the playoffs, pointing to the girl’s strong determination as a major factor.
“They are competitors, they push for every point,” Lowrance said. “When we are getting down, we all pick each other up. They do not like to lose so they push for everything.”
The Falcons were challenged in the first set, as they trailed early for the first time during the playoffs. However, behind strong play from seniors Sierra Jones and Mary Catherine Bal, West Henderson was able to recover the lead, winning the set, 25-14.
The Falcons were able to capitalize on the momentum opening up a 7-1 lead during the second set. The Sugar Jets were able to make a small run, but the Falcons strong play helped them win the set, 25-17.
Down by two sets with their season on the line, the Sugar Jets played their best volleyball of the match. The final set went back and forth between both teams until the very end. The Falcons were finally able to hold of the Enka late push and win the set, 25-22.
“Enka was really playing well during that last set, they really made us work for our points,” senior Chloe Biggs said.
The Falcons were led by seniors Jones (24 assists, seven digs), Ball (18 kills, nine digs), Galloway (nine digs) and Kasey West (27 digs), along with sophomore Casey Brown (seven kills, six digs).
“The girls played so well in every aspect of the game, they played with a lot of heart and a lot of energy,” Lowrance said. “That was definitely not the same team we played at the beginning of the season.
The Sugar Jets (14-7) were led by Kloyee Anderson (11 kills, three blocks and 10 digs), Abbie Trantham (19 assists and seven digs) and Katie Duncan (21 digs). Enka coach Jennifer Kruk credited her team for never giving up throughout the match against a strong opponent.
“I was really proud of my team, we came in here today and at least gave them a match, and made them fight for it,” Kruk said. “A lot of people walk in here and see the banners, and let the mystique of West Henderson affect them. I felt like our girls today did a really good job of not letting the environment affect the way they play.”
West Henderson will play at home again for the fourth straight match against the second seed Marvin Ridge on Tuesday. The winner of that match will earn a spot at regionals on Thursday.
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