Volleyball overcomes early-season adversity
Robbinsville – The Lady Knights continued to work against non-conference action before delving into divisional play next week.
After sweeping the T.C. Roberson Lady Rams in Aug. 12’s debut, Robbinsville (2-1) ran into another defending conference champion Aug. 14: the Franklin Lady Panthers. Stacked with eight seniors, the reigning 3A Mountain Seven champs had no interest in losing a set to the hosts, with the Lady Knights falling 25-10, 25-17, 25-14.
Following a hectic back-and-forth to open set one, Franklin broke away on a 17-0 run that the Lady Knights struggled to defend. All evening, the trio of Kyrah Bowles, Emma Ledford and Cali Queen made a formidable wall up front with big blocks and kills devastating the Knights.
Libero McKayla Sanders also defended the back row with vigor, rarely seceding a volley to Robbinsville.
The Knights only took one set from the Panthers during last year’s home/away tilt, but head coach Kadey Phillips was quick to point out that match-ups like Franklin are played with a purpose.
“We are still experimenting with different rotations and trying to find the best fit for everyone,” Phillips said after Aug. 14’s loss. “Sometimes, it feels like a big puzzle piece we have to piece together – in order to make sure we are utilizing all of our strengths within our rotation. It has definitely been a trial-and-error process, but these games have helped us to see where we are strongest at and where are weaknesses are as well – which has been a great learning opportunity.
“That is why games like this before conference play are so important. But I have been so proud of the way the girls have played thus far.”
Welcoming Highlands (1-4) for the final match of a homestand to begin the year Tuesday, Robbinsville downed the Lady Highlanders 9-25, 17-25, 18-25.
JV
The Lady Knights picked up their first junior varsity win of the season Tuesday, defeating Highlands 18-25, 23-25.
The win comes on the heels of a hard-fought loss Aug. 14, with Robbinsville (1-2) falling to Franklin 25-22, 24-26, 15-7.
Robbinsville travels to Asheville tonight.