LadyPanthers

Zaelyn Phillips swats the ball over a pair of Rosman defenders during Tuesday's four-set victory over the Lady Tigers. Photo by Bella Eddings/The Graham Star

Lady Knights snap 5-match losing streak

Kevin Hensley

Friday, September 19, 2025

Robbinsville – Following a tough slate, the Lady Knights reaped all the benefits of returning back home Tuesday.

Senior Liz Carpenter (20) prepares for a pass to freshman Daphne Barlow (5) during Aug. 12’s season opener against T.C. Roberson. Photo by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Why you play the game

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, August 22, 2024

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.

Senior Tia Hall contends the defense of Andrews’ Kinleigh Queen in Robbinsville’s 4-set road victory over the Lady Wildcats. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Still in the hunt

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Andrews – On paper, it’s a simple-enough ask: you have three matches left, so win out. But a quick scan of the remaining schedule on that same piece of paper will quickly reveal how daunting that task will be for the Robbinsville Lady Knights.

The Robbinsville Lady Knights celebrate moments after clinching a 5-set comeback win Tuesday against Asheville. Photos by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

‘Quit’ is not in their vocabulary

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Novie Dutcher prepares to serve during Tuesday’s JV match against the Lady Cougars. Robbinsville – Somebody forgot to tell the Lady Knights that 2-0 deficits do not often play in their favor.

The Robbinsville Lady Knights surprised senior Kensley Phillips with gifts immediately after Oct. 6’s home match against Andrews, to help celebrate Phillips surpassing the 1,000-dig threshold. Surrounding Phillips are (back row, from left): Claire Barlow, Liz Carpenter, Aubrie Wachacha and team manager Eden Orr; (front row, from left): Fala Welch, Tai Owle and Olivia Lewis; kneeling in front, Delaney Brooms (left) and Suri Watty.

Can you dig it?

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Robbinsville – Just two days after her older sister hit a coaching milestone, Kensley Phillips found her own way into the annals of Lady Knights volleyball history. Kadey Phillips recorded her 100th career win as head coach of the Lady Knights at Swain County on Sept. 27. Skip ahead to Sept.

Tough at the top

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Hayesville – The Lady Knights are still the team to beat in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Though the Hayesville Lady Jackets gave Robbinsville a tough road match Sept. 8, the Knights prevailed in a compact 28-26, 25-23, 28-26 sweep.

Robbinsville sophomore Zoie Shuler looks to slam the ball past Swain County’s Gracie Sutton on Monday. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights back in win column; sweep Devils

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Bryson City – As make-ups continue to force Robbinsville into an unusual schedule, the Lady Knights ran into their first speed bumps of the season last week.

Kelsey Waldroup sends a shot back into Franklin territory during Monday’s season opener against the Lady Panthers. Robbinsville would prevail in a five-set battle. Photos by Art Miller/amiller@grahamstar.com

Lady Knights undergo early test

Kevin Hensley

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Robbinsville – In their first outing of the season, the Robbinsville Lady Knights were pushed to their limit. And yet, they prevailed. It took five sets, but Robbinsville (1-0) bested the 3A Franklin Lady Panthers (0-1) to the tune of 14-25, 17-25, 27-25, 25-16, 10-15 on Monday night.