Hawks nipped in league semifinals

Third-seeded Triton had one of its strongest performances of the season, but was edged in five sets by No. 2 Terry Sanford in the second round of the All-American 3-A/4-A Conference volleyball tournament at Harnett Central on Tuesday. Individual set scores were 25-21, 23-25, 25-23, 25-19 and 16-14.

“We wanted it and we played like we wanted it most of the time,” said Triton coach Wendy Simmons. “And just a couple of mistakes in that fifth set just hurt us and we couldn’t recover.”

The Hawks (11-13) were without two of their seniors. Korra Altman was out with an illness (not COVID-related) and libero Makayla Norris was out with a concussion. Simmons was pleased with the extra leadership roles remaining seniors Reagan Bradham and Grace Wilson took on, the play of lone junior Ava Blackman in the libero role and Emma Stanley in the defensive role vacated by Blackman’s move to libero.

“I couldn’t ask them to play any better than they did,” Simmons said. “When your libero goes down, it could be a hard hit, but I felt like Ava stepped in and did a great job. And the other ones that had to play in Ava’s spot, where she was, it all just came together. Very proud of them.”

Simmons was also pleased with the notable improvements in the confidence levels sophomore Carleigh Hemby and freshman Chyna Massey showed with their play on the frontline.

“It’s great to see that confidence building in young players,” Simmons said. “And they can become just that much better in the years that they have to come. It will be exciting to see the talent.”

Hemby had 20 kills and five aces on 16 service points, Wilson had nine kills, two blocks, 11 digs and three aces on 15 service points, Bradham had a double-double, with 39 assists and 21 digs, and Blackman had 26 digs and two aces on 11 service points to lead Triton.

Gracy-Lynn Norris had eight kills and three digs. Massey had six kills, three blocks and 16 digs and held serve for one point. Olivia Godwin had four kills, two digs and one ace on six service points. Bradham had three kills and two aces on seven service points. Stanley had three assists and 10 digs. Blackman had three assists. Hemby had one assist and five digs. Wilson had one assist.

“The young girls didn’t play young,” Simmons said. “They played beyond their years.”

A trio of seniors led the Bulldogs (15-5). Maggie Barnes had 22 kills and six aces on 12 service points, Maggy Watson had 10 kills, two blocks and five aces on 12 service points and Kaylee Akers had 21 assists.

All five sets were close, with the teams alternating wins.

The fifth set came down to extra points. With the score tied 14-14, back-to-back kills from Barnes, both assisted by Akers, finished the match for the Bulldogs.

Triton will have to wait and see if the it earned a spot in the NCHSAA 3-A state playoffs. Whether Tuesday was their final match or not, Simmons said she is proud of what her seniors have done for the program.

“Seniors are always hard to let go because they bring so much to your program,” Simmons said. “From enthusiasm to leadership to work ethic, they’re truly going to be missed.”

Terry Sanford meets top-seeded host Harnett Central (16-7) in the tournament championship Wednesday. The Bulldogs and Trojans tied for first place in the regular season, splitting regular season contests, with the away team winning each meeting.