Saturday evening’s match between the (3) North Cobb Warriors and the (2) Harrison Hoyas excited the fans at the 4AAAAAA Area Tournament.

The Hoyas jumped out to an early lead, 11-4 before Coach Auld signaled for his first timeout. The Warriors did well in keeping volleys alive, fighting off the Hoyas strong hitters’ swings. While NC managed to get most of the swings up in the air, Harrison continued to compound their opportunities and expand their lead to 17-8 when Auld signaled his second timeout. The Hoyas’ dig defense proved too consistent for the Warriors, and the opportunities that NC wanted to win were not going their way. Harrison took the first set 25-15 in a best of five set match.

“Experience leads to a different level of confidence, and that is what Harrison has right now,” Auld said.

On certain volleys in the second set, the Warriors exhibited greater endurance than the Hoyas. However, the Hoyas proved too powerful at the hitter positions. Senior outside hitter Simone Maxwell and junior outside hitter Lizzy Daniel pursued the ball with foresight and position. In result, Maxwell and Daniel held their ground on the block and scraped a few points to add to NC’s edge. But the end result showed no different than before, with Harrison winning the second set 25-17.

“They have the knowledge that they have done this before and can do it again, and that makes a difference,” Auld said.

North Cobb came out for the third set firing at all angles, striking the ball with forcefulness and showing their aggression early on. NC truly exposed Harrison for their endurance as the Warriors controlled the pace of the game until 22-21. The Hoyas won four straight points to win the third set, 25-22.

Miller finished with five kills and ten digs, which she surpassed the 1000 career dig mark, furnishing her high school plateau. Senior outside hitter Savanna Gonzales tallied seven kills, one block, and nine digs. Junior setter Taylor Parrish recorded two kills, 23 assists, and five digs. Senior libero Christina Matacotta had 12 digs, while sophomore defensive specialist Katelynn Riner lead the Warriors with 14 digs.

The Warriors first matchup of the day came against the always-aggressive Hillgrove Lady Hawks. North Cobb won their 17th straight match up versus the Hawks on Saturday. In the third set of the best of three, the Warriors exhibited their tight passing and precision when they leaped out to a 13-7 advantage. Coach Auld always preaches an aggressive mindset to the ladies, so this translated on the court. The Warriors won the third set 25-13, making this set a testimony to their endurance through a three-set battle.

The first and second set highlighted back-to-back momentum swings. However, NC came out on top in the first set, 25-18. The first two points in the second set were both swings straight to the ground, and the score read 1-1, but with clutch plays by sophomore middle Jenna Woodruff, who dove four feet to dig a baseline swing, and Daniel’s accuracy blocking the net, Hillgrove called their first timeout. North Cobb led 15-13 after Hillgrove committed a delay of game. Riner ripped off a few floating aces in the ensuing points, and the Warriors led the set for good, 25-15.

The Lady Warriors finished 1-1 on the day, dismantling Hillgrove and losing in three to Harrison.