Lady Mavs sweep final matches ahead of district
Anderson County’s Julia Owens makes a pass from a Gibbs serve during last Thursday’s home match. The Lady Mavericks swept the Lady Eagles in straight sets to finish the volleyball regular season strong. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Lady Mavericks (17-15 overall, 9-5 in the district) closed out the regular season with three straight victories.
In their season finale, they swept Gibbs in three sets to enter the postseason on a high note.
Coach Jayme Smith said before Monday’s tournament opener that she was hoping for a deep postseason run, but knew the competition would be tight.
“I don’t think there’s a whole lot of difference between the No. 1 seed and the No. 5 seed,” Smith said. “It’s just going to come down to who gets off to a hot start, who makes the fewest mistakes, and who wants it more.”
Knox Central entered as the top seed, followed by Clinton, Powell, Oak Ridge, Anderson County, Gibbs, Knoxville Halls and Campbell County.
The Lady Mavericks swept Campbell County 25-11, 25-9, 25-11 on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
Khloe Wilkerson had six kills, while Bethany Lowe served five aces and recorded 10 digs. Emerie Bullock also tallied 10 digs for Anderson County.
On Monday, Sept. 29, the Lady Mavericks traveled to West Knoxville and swept Bearden 25-20, 25-18.
Lilly McCormick posted seven kills and two blocks, while Emee Blackburn finished with 10 digs and three aces. Bullock added seven digs. Lowe contributed nine digs and eight assists, and Julia Owens had 15 assists and six digs.
Anderson County opened tournament play Monday against Oak Ridge. Results were not available at press time.