Lady Hawks flying under the radar
Through last Thursday, Hardin Valley Academy’s volleyball team had played 13 matches, going 7-6. A synopsis of the Lady Hawks’ season thus far, with comments by coach Eric Boden:
Aug. 18: 3-1 loss to Clinton High School. “We had too many unforced errors and didn’t pass particularly well.”
Aug. 19: 3-1 loss to Knoxville Catholic High School. “Catholic really doesn’t have any weaknesses. Lost the first set 30-28. We showed a lot of resilience.”
Aug. 21: 3-0 win over Berean Christian School. “Did the little things we’ve been working on; put the ball away … did our jobs.”
The next five matches were played in The Showdown at the Sunsphere, an annual tournament at the Knoxville Convention Center. The first was on Aug. 22; the others Aug. 23
• Lost to Heritage High School, 2-1. “Didn’t pass well. Third set we really struggled.”
• Defeated Powell High School, 2-0. “Second set eight (points scored by Powell). We
did the little things right. Did a good job of taking care of the ball.”
• Defeated Sullivan East High School, 2-0. “Had control of the match from the start. Serving was a big key for us.”
• Defeated Loretto High School, 2-0. “Took care of the ball; did a really good job.”
• Lost to Sevier County High School, 2-1. “They have a huge entire front row. We did a good job of staying nice and steady. Proud of that match.”
Aug. 25: 3-0 loss to Lakeway Christian Academy. “Sets were close, very competitive. You wish you could rewind
it.”
Aug. 26: 3-1 win over Grace Christian Academy. “Big win. Grace’s only loss at the time. Served really tough; both middle blockers had double-digit kills.”
Aug. 28: 3-0 win over South-Doyle High School. “Took care of business. Sets were 8, 10 and 18. Entire bench got to play.”
Sept. 2: 3-1 loss to Knoxville Trailblazers (team of home-schoolers). “Serving and passing really struggled in that match.”
Sept. 4: 3-0 win over Karns High School. “We controlled the serve and pass game (sets were 10, 8 and 7). In control the entire match.”
“I’m pleased with the progress we’re making; obviously we can continue to improve,” Boden said. “We’re young … young players are getting time, which is great for the future but growing pains (in the present).”
HVA’s stats leaders through the Karns match:
Senior middle blocker Allie Harm with 77 kills;
Junior setter Caroline Clauss with 279 assists;
Sophomore libero Lilly Ringe with 153 digs;
Clauss with 36 aces; and
Sophomore middle blocker Maddie Jerrell with 33 Blocks.
“Our key has been middle blockers (Harm and Jerrell); both have been really steady,” Boden said. “They’ve been real steadfast for us averaging three kills a set. We’re physical up front. I’m excited about that.”
“I think we have a lot of potential,” Jerrell said. “Our team dynamic is good so far. I’m very confident.”
