Robbinsville, Murphy to meet in tournament finals
Murphy – A win over Hayesville in the semi-finals of the Smoky Mountain Conference tournament Tuesday night has pitted the top two teams in the division against one another for a rubber match.
Robbinsville (20-2) received the No. 1 seed in the tournament after a drawing was held between the Lady Knights and the Lady Bulldogs on Friday. Thus, Robbinsville enjoyed a first-round bye before swatting the Lady Jackets 25-13, 25-15, while Murphy (21-2) had to get by Cherokee and Rosman to reach the finals.
The conclusion of the tournament was after press time, but it pitted two clubs that are evenly-matched. Both Robbinsville and Murphy have only lost to Franklin and each other this season, with the Lady Knights taking round one in a thrilling five-set victory Sept. 5 and the Lady Bulldogs winning a four-set clash Oct. 3.
Robbinsville clinched its first-ever 20-win season Oct. 17 by sweeping Nantahala 25-4, 25-6, 25-5.
Karlyn Matheson led the Lady Knights with 12 kills, while Liz Ayers recorded eight aces and 14 assists.
Karcee Dooley had one block, while Yeika Jimenez tallied a team-best six digs.
Junior varsity
Robbinsville’s junior varsity season came to an end in the first round of the conference tournament Saturday, as the Lady Knights (9-10) fell in a tight 24-26, 25-27 loss to Swain.
Middle school
Robbinsville (7-9) won its season finale at home against Martins Creek on Oct. 17: 25-12, 25-11.