The Fannin County Lady Rebels hosted Pickens County and Gilmer County, Thursday, September 26. The Lady Rebels would also celebrate the seniors as it was the final home game of the season.
The Lady Rebels started out strong in the first match against the Dragonettes, winning in two sets (25-10), (25-16).
Head coach Jason Stanely said, “This was the first time that I had had my complete team together in a few weeks. They came out excited and played really well together. We were able to take the lead in both games and continued to keep up the intensity for the win”.
The Lady Rebels faced Gilmer County in the next match, as the Lady Bobcats came to play. Gilmer fired on all cylinders and was able to win the game 2-1.
Fannin dominated the first set, winning (25-14), but the Lady Bobcats buckled down and took the second set (25-23), to tie the game up 1-1.
Gilmer had the momentum as they were able to take the third set in a close (15-13) battle.
Stanley said, “Gilmer always plays us tough. It doesn’t matter what our records are or what time in the season it is. They play with heart and tenacity. We were able to match that tenacity for the first game and come out ahead. During the second game, we actually had them down and needed only a couple of plays to win the match, but Gilmer fought back and was able to keep us off balance to win the game and force a third.
Again, we fought hard and gained a lead, but were unable to hold it. I really have to give Gilmer and our girls credit they played with everything they had all the way to the end. Unfortunately for our team, Gilmer was able to pull away at the end.”
Six senior Lady Rebels were also recognized for the work they have put into Fannin County’s volleyball program.
Stanley talked about each of the senior Lady Rebels saying, “Madison (Bowers) has played two years for me on the varsity level. She earned the Libero position this year and is my general on the court as she is always giving advice on what parts of the court is open and where the defense should move. She is one of the most exciting and dedicated players I have ever coached.”
On Carly Crawford: “Carly also played two years for me on the varsity level. Carly is a competitor. She has played about every position you can play in volleyball. She has a lot of hitting power and is versatile enough to also play the finesse positions.”
On Courtney Earls: “This was Courtney’s first year with me. Courtney is one of those players who just makes your team better whether she is on the court or off.”
On Hannah Green: “I like to call Hannah the “Mom”. She is always taking care of her teammates on the court and off. She has one of the best personalities of anyone you can meet and was a real asset to us this year.”
On Sydney Jones, “This was Sydney’s second year with me. Like Carly, Sydney has played every position imaginable. Her contribution to the team is immense in the fact that she was always willing to do whatever is asked of her at a moments notice.”
On Haley Parks: “She is another one of our players that has had to fight through a number of injuries over the years. Her enthusiasm and dedication makes her easy to coach.”
On Cheyanne Tilson: “Cheyanne has played for me for three years and has proved herself to be one of the finest hitters in the state. She is by far the best hitter I ever coached and is one of the most intense players I have ever seen.”
After the games Stanley said the team’s focus is now switching to post-season play. “Overall, I was proud of all our girls. They played their hearts out and played till the end. Now we have to focus our attention to the area tournament. We haven’t made the playoffs the last two years and the girls are excited to put an end to the drought.”