Lady Owls open with big victory
Just being able to play volleyball provided a major emotional lift for Ooltewah and Hixson.
After both varsity teams had to quarantine for 14 days after having at least one athlete test positive for COVID-19, they breathed a sigh of relief Wednesday night as they played their season opener at Ooltewah High School.
Taking nothing for granted and doing something usually reserved for what is expected to the final home contest of the season, the Lady Owls honored a stellar senior class of Caty Hughes, Hannah Irwin, Allie Manning, Annalee Moore and Dana Wells. The group played a big role in the 25-17, 25-12, 25-21 win.
“It’s tough to go through what they have been through,” Ooltewah coach Elaine Peigen said. “They have kept their head up, but they needed something positive. Tonight was great for them to come out and get a sweep. My five seniors are special and all contributed.”
Hixson fought in the third set, when versatile standout Ava Rogers landed big hits and served well to help the Lady Wildcats take a 19-17 lead.
However, Irwin helped the Lady Owls respond with two long serves for aces, and Hughes shortly after touched off a celebration cheer with her ninth and final kill.
With no preseason to prepare, Peigen was happy with the results.
Manning passed the ball well, while Wells helped create chances as she dived to save tough shots and finished with a match-high 17 digs. Irwin and Moore combined for 11 kills and 17 digs.
“Starting the season with a win on senior night is great for us,” said Hughes, who also had six blocks. “This senior class means a lot. We have waited so long for this moment, and it feels great to be here. Getting to play tonight was great.”
Ooltewah sophomore Meghan Jordan had 12 digs.
Hixson’s Rogers finished with 10 digs, four aces and nine kills. The Lady Wildcats have a junior-heavy roster this season as they look to replace a strong setter, Gabby Tench, and an outstanding hitter, Abby Rector.
“I am just happy for our girls because they get to be back out here and play again,” coach Robert Catlett said. “Most of these girls have been stuck at home for five months, and they need this.”
› Baylor split a tri-match at Maryville. The Lady Red Raiders beat the host Lady Rebels, 14-25, 25-12, 25-13, and lost to Heritage, 25-22, 25-22. Tess Margio and Elaine Redman combined for 28 kills, while Holland Moss had nine kills and three blocks.
› Chattanooga Christian School split a tri-match, beating Rhea County, 25-19, 25-15, and falling to Cleveland, 23-25, 23-25. Avery Ray had 12 kills and four aces, and AJ Johnson had 18 kills for CCS.
GOLF
› Signal Mountain shot a 283 in a commanding boys’ team victory at the Sundrop Classic at Willowbrook on Wednesday in Manchester. Cookeville, with a 303, was runner-up in the 13-team field.
Signal Mountain’s Carson Johnson and Beck Lewis tied Bradley Central’s JT McKenzie for medalist as each shot a 3-under-par 69 at the site of the state tournament. Johnson shot a 4-under 32 on the front nine.
Cleveland’s Hannah Nall tied for third in the girls’ tournament with a 77. Providence Christian’s girls won with a 148.
SOCCER
› Soddy-Daisy 4, Ooltewah 1: Alaina Pemberton had two assists and was one of four players who scored for the Lady Trojans (2-0), who turned a 1-0 halftime lead into a rout in Tuesday night’s home opener.