Andy Scheidler
sports@thefranklinpress.com
Overcoming obstacles was a theme this season for Franklin’s junior varsity volleyball team.
Whether it was players getting injured, or girls missing practice time because they were involved with clubs, others sports or band, the Panthers managed to find a way to rise above.
“These girls were able to show their determination and desire to win by overcoming these obstacles and going 20-1 this year,” coach Cindy Christie said. “That’s pretty doggone good if you ask me.”
FHS went 9-1 in the Mountain Six Conference. The lone loss came at Brevard. The two teams split, with each winning on their home floor.
The Panthers were forced to play a third set only four times, including twice against Brevard.
Their tremendous record was made possible by great leadership from the sophomores and a couple freshmen, Christie said. It made them a fun team to watch.
Serving was another main key to their success, as was having some “monsters” on the front row blocking and hitting.
“And we had the best libero in the conference – possibly Western North Carolina for JV – and our girls just communicated and meshed so well together,” Christie said. “They were really a joy to watch when they were in their ‘groove.’”
Makayla Barnes was Franklin’s libero, who Christie said has the ability to read hitters and setters to go with tremendous quickness.
Barnes was one of seven freshmen, including Tori Ensley, Reese Ward, Abby Carpenter, Andrea Terrell, Taylor Moss and Kendall Reis.
The sophomore class consisted of Anya Valentine, Corey Burrell, Karli McMahan, Gracie Cochran, Sydney Williams and Bethany Jenkins.
Williams, Valentine and Ensley played extremely well all season, Christie said, and were rewarded by being moved up to varsity for the conference tournament and state playoffs. (Williams actually got moved up a few matches before the end of the season.)
“They worked really hard and deserve that honor,” she said.
Christie said all of the players worked hard, although there were a few occasions when she had to get on them to focus in practice.
“But I love how they held themselves accountable,” Christie said, “and if they were having a bad practice, they would come together and get on each other to tighten up. As a coach, that’s what you love to see, them wanting to do better, practice harder and be better.”
The girls made the season very memorable for Christie, who was in her second season as coach. They went 18-4 last year.
“I’m so very proud of them,” Christie said. “I told them all year it was my job to get them ready for varsity – that was their goal. They wanted to be the best, and I’m pretty sure if you ask any of the teams we played, including the one we lost that one game to, all those teams will say it: The Franklin JV team is the best team they’ve played against all year.
“That’s something for those girls to be proud of; I know I am.”