Big hits highlight battle with WCMS, Upperman
Lady Jackets sting WCMS in straight sets
Ellie Dixon rises high in what were common battles at the net between the Lady Pioneers and Upperman Tuesday night.
The unmistakable thud echoing through the Warren County Middle School gym left one thing clear Tuesday night: if you were going to score a point between the Lady Pioneers and Upperman, you had to bring the heat at the net.
Warren County proved it could trade blows with Upperman, last year's TMSAA Class 2A state runner-up, but the Lady Jackets made just enough plays in the biggest moments to leave with a 25-22, 25-18 victory. The loss came just one night after the Lady Pioneers opened the season with a thrilling three-set win over Westwood, giving WCMS a split through its first two matches.
"It was super encouraging to see," said coach Bethany Mesaros of her team’s fight Tuesday night. "Upperman is a strong team, but we were able to hang with them the whole night. We've got to work on our blocking in the front row to make sure we get touches on it, but it was really encouraging to see us both hitting."
Warren County not only had its chances, it built leads in both sets.
The Lady Pioneers jumped in front 2-0 in each frame and continued to apply pressure throughout the opening set. Fallon Youngblood caught fire from the service line to stretch the advantage to 17-14 before Ellie Dixon's relentless attacking forced an Upperman violation when a blocker crossed underneath the net into the landing zone, putting Warren County back in front 20-19.
Upperman answered like a championship-caliber team, using a pair of late aces to erase the deficit and steal the opening set.
"They still dig no matter what the circumstances are," said Mesaros of her team’s grit. "They definitely have to learn to push through even when things are hard and, especially when we get out of system, learn to put the ball where the other team isn't. It comes down to trust and communication with each other."
The second set followed a similar script.
After the Lady Jackets erased another 2-0 Warren County lead and surged ahead 8-4, Dixon kept the Lady Pioneers within striking distance. The eighth grader blistered an ace before unloading a rare back-row kill that cut the deficit to 12-10.
Behind her, libero Lyvia Wilson refused to let rallies end.
Time after time, Wilson raced across the back row to keep attacks alive, turning what looked like sure points for Upperman into extended rallies. Her hustle energized the Lady Pioneers and helped Warren County reclaim the lead midway through the set.
"She is one of our strongest passers on the team and definitely an anchor in the back row," said Mesaros. "She makes sure balls are up, she's moving her feet and making sure nothing hits the ground."
Wilson's serving helped Warren County build a 14-12 advantage before the Lady Pioneers extended the lead to 16-14. But a few missed serves, coupled with Upperman's relentless attack at the net, allowed the Lady Jackets to string together the decisive run and finish off the match.
The Lady Pioneers will look to regroup in practice Wednesday before returning home Thursday to host White County. First serve is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Warren County will then finish its busy opening week Friday with a 5:30 p.m. road match against Coffee County.
