White County Volleyball comes up short in season opener

The Warriorettes opened the season on the road, but they didn’t bring home the result they were hoping for. In fact, they were handed the biggest defeat they had since September of last year, falling 3 sets to none to the Stewarts Creek Red Hawks. 

It wasn’t all bad news for the White County High School volleyball team, however. Senior Lily Parker led the offense with nine kills while fellow senior Gracie Clark and junior Miah Jo Swindell picked up two apiece. Freshman Mallori Swindell proved a huge asset for the Warriorettes offense as she finished with ten assists. Rounding out the White County offensive attack was sophomore Sarah Winfree who took command from the service line scoring two of the Warriorettes six aces on the night.  

Defensively, the Warriorettes were led by Gracie Clark who was able to slow down the Red Hawks attack with nine digs and three blocks. Winfree also had nine digs, and Miah Jo Swindell added another seven to the Warriorettes stat line. Mallori Swindell and Lily Parker each dug the ball out six times to keep the action going and slow the Stewarts Creek attack at times. Kylie Norvell, who had three digs, and Kylie Norris, who had a pair of blocks added to the Warriorettes defensive effort.   

However, it wasn't enough as the Red Hawks outscored White County 25-20 in the first set before putting up a 25-12 big second set. The Warriorettes fought their way back in the third set, but couldn’t get the win, losing the final frame 25-21. 

“The outcome of last night’s game doesn’t reflect the effort and play by our girls. They pushed hard but lost long rallies in a few critical moments,” White County coach Brittany King said. “We know what we need to work on and hope to be more successful in Thursday night’s match up.”  

White County will be back in action on Thursday when they host Wilson Central and try to even their record. Both games this week count toward district standings as will next week’s games against Smyrna and Cookeville.