Anderson County nets early wins
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Anderson County’s Elle Long (2) and Lillian McCormick (4) rise for a block against the Lady Wildcats during recent volleyball action. - Tony Cox
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Anderson County’s Bethany Lowe keeps the ball in play during the Lady Mavericks’ match against Oak Ridge. - Tony Cox
Anderson County High School’s volleyball team opened its season with a hectic stretch, playing eight matches in six days.
The Lady Mavericks (4-4 overall, 1-1 in District 3-AAA) capped the week at the annual Showdown at the Sunsphere in the Knoxville Convention Center, where they went 3-2. The tournament featured top programs from Tennessee and Kentucky.
ACHS defeated Webb School of Knoxville (25-22, 21-25, 15-4), Knoxville Central (25-22, 25-17) and Rhea County (25-17, 25-23). The Lady Mavs fell in straight sets to Science Hill and lost a tight three-setter to West Ridge (25-27, 25-23, 16-14).
Earlier in the week, Anderson County split a pair of district matches, sweeping two-time defending champion Clinton 25-22, 25-22, 25-21 after falling to Oak Ridge. The Lady Mavs opened their season Aug. 18 with a loss to Lakeway Christian.
Longtime Coach Jayme Smith said she liked the way her team handled its demanding first week.
“It’s early and we’ve already changed our rotation three times,” Smith said. “But I’m happy. They work hard and they’re coachable. In the tournament, we saw two teams from our section and laid eyes on Maryville and Bearden. I left there feeling like we still have a chance to win.”
The lone match that left Smith disappointed was the opener against Science Hill.
“It was our first match on Friday and we didn’t play very well,” she said. “We were worried about the football game that night.”
Smith praised senior middle blocker McKenzie Wilkerson.
“McKenzie has been making plays all over the place,” Smith said.
“She had one rally where she didn’t get a stuff block, but she kept the point alive with five straight touches.”
