Taking down 2-time state champs, Ads top West, Irish
KNOXVILLE — Any athlete would likely say winning a game or match against a challenging opponent is what’s most rewarding.
It’s hard to be more rewarding than beating a two-time defending state champion, as the Farragut High School volleyball team did versus Cleveland (Division I-Class AAA) in three sets (2-1) at Knoxville Catholic High School Wednesday evening, Sept. 18.
Then again, coasting to an easy win can be nice sometimes, too.
The Lady Admirals coasted smoothly and easily Thursday night, Sept. 19, on the road against District 4-AAA foe Knoxville West. The set scores of the 3-0 sweep were 25-12, 25-13 and 25-10.
FHS head coach Andre Alves was still out of town on a personal matter. Senior outside hitter and team leader Elsa Morrison was glad the team didn’t let down after two sets, which it has done recently.
“Came out really hot, and that’s been constant with us the past couple of (matches),” Morrison said. “To win the first one, two … and we’ve kinda had a falloff. Tonight we stayed focused and high elevation.”
It was unclear whether Morrison’s “elevation” reference was intentional. In fact, the Lady Admirals elevated above the net repeatedly in winning points with kills. Strong serving also was a weapon.
None of the three sets were ever in doubt. Farragut jumped to early leads in each and never looked back. The Lady Admirals’ advantages in skill, teamwork and athleticism were obvious throughout.
Senior Trinity Rye — like Morrison, an outside hitter and team leader — said she prefers a challenge, but an easy win has its advantages.
“It’s fun to win this easy, but I like a challenge too,” Rye said. It’s good to have some time to try stuff out. I think we all worked really well together.”
Rye led the Lady Admirals in kills with 14. Morrison added 12. Setter Bella Ekeler led as usual in assists with 33. Morrison had four aces.
It was a good week for both FHS volleyball teams: the JV Lady Admirals beat West 2-0; the sets were 25-21 and 25-19.
On Tuesday evening, Sept. 17, FHS beat Lenoir City 3-0 on the road, while the JV team won 2-0.
At KCHS Sept. 18, Farragut also defeated the host Lady Irish in three sets. The FHS JV team defeated Catholic in straight sets and Cleveland in three.
The win over West improved the Lady Admirals overall record to 15-2 overall, 4-1 in district.
