Hixson Claims Top Spot In 6-AA With Win At Central

Lady Wildcats Still Have Big Match With Red Bank Next Week

Tuesday, September 16, 2014
John Hunt

Hixson and Central entered their volleyball match on Tuesday tied for first place in District 6-AA as both were unbeaten in three matches.

The Lady Wildcats have that top spot all to themselves after pinning a 3-1 defeat on the Lady Pounders in a match held at Brown Middle School's Carole Wilson Gymnasium.

Hixson won the first set with ease by a score of 25-12 before winning the second one by a much-closer 28-26 difference.

There were 14 ties and seven lead changes in that second set before Hixson scored the final two points on a kill from Courtney Jones and a block from Madison Jett to secure the win.

For all practical purposes, that was the turning point of the match as Hixson clearly had momentum on its side while Central was looking for answers.

The Lady Pounders finally played like they're capable as they won the third set by a 25-16 final, but Hixson rallied to win the fourth by 25-17 to claim the match.

"We still have a lot of work to do as we made a lot of unforced errors, but we didn't quit and I'm proud of the way we battled," said Hixson coach Janet Tate after her team had improved to 15-12 overall and 4-0 in 6-AA.

"I thought that serve receive would be a critical factor today and I was happy with that aspect as we've been working really hard on that, but we've developed a nice rivalry with Central in recent years and I knew it would be close. We always have great matches with Central as there's a lot of competitive fire between these two teams," she added.

While the momentum shifted to Central's side after the third set, it didn't stay there long as Hixson scored eight of the first nine points to take control in the fourth set.

Bailey Burba then had five straight service points, including one of her four aces, to extend Hixson's lead to 14-3 and Central never recovered. The Lady Pounders got to within seven points on four occasions after that, but never any closer as Hixson headed home with the important district win.

Central coach Jeff Baughman felt like the change of scenery may have created a negative environment. The Central gym had another activity scheduled and that's why the volleyball match was moved across the way to Brown.

"We weren't playing in our gym, but we had an uncharacteristic number of fundamental errors today. Maybe the most of any match this season, but we were a little bit out of sorts with the change in location, but that's no excuse for all the errors," he said, his team now 14-10 overall and 3-1 in 6-AA.

"I keep telling these girls that we have to go back to basics. When we take care of the basics like we should, we play Pounder volleyball.

"I thought we blocked the ball well, but we didn't direct it. We fought hard, but Hixson is a worthy opponent. Tonight, the match went their way and it's a tough loss, but the top seed is still up for grabs," he added, knowing the district tournament will be at Central in three weeks.

Paige Lawson set the pace for Hixson with 13 kills and six aces. Abby Tipton and Haleigh Raber finished with 15 and 14 digs, respectively, while Burba had 18 assists and 10 digs.

Rebekah Hill was the leader for Central with 11 kills and 14 digs while teammates Skyler Wolfe and Adriane McClurg both had eight kills. Lexie Ainslie also played well and finished the day with 22 assists and 13 digs.

Hixson will be at home for a match with Boyd-Buchanan on Thursday before hosting Red Bank in a big district battle on Tuesday.

Central will host East Ridge on Thursday before playing at home against Polk County on Tuesday.

HIXSON STATS:

Abby Tipton -- 1 ace, 5 kills, 15 digs

Paige Lawson -- 6 aces, 13 kills, 1 block, 11 digs

Bailey Burba -- 4 aces, 1 kill, 10 digs, 18 assists

Morghan White -- 5 aces, 8 digs

Haleigh Raber -- 1 kill, 14 digs

TayTay Staten -- 7 kills, 5 blocks, 4 digs

Sam Dove -- 1 ace, 5 digs

Madison Jett -- 1 kill, 2 blocks

Courtney Jones -- 5 kills.