The Gilmer High Lady Cats have continued to navigate their nonregion volleyball schedule through the early season.
Gilmer played six more matches last week, and while the Cats found themselves on the losing side each time, head coach Maria Huelsman believes they are about to break through.
“These girls are on the verge of starting to win matches,” she said. “We’ve already done the losing. If they get a loss, they’ve been doing it. Now, they’re on the verge of starting to win to the point they’re scared to lose. They’re so close to winning, they become afraid to lose. At the end, they start playing safe to win instead of continuing to be aggressive. That’s what we’re pushing ... they just have to go for it and not be afraid to do it.”
The Cats were at home last Tuesday for a pair of matches. GHS lost to both Dalton (25-19, 25-22) and Dawson County (25-22, 25-19).
Gilmer traveled to Chestatee High School Saturday and dropped four matches. The host War Eagles strolled past the Cats, 25-5 and 25-3. Banks County needed three sets after GHS took the first, 25-17. BCHS went on to win the next two and the match, 25-23 and 15-13.
Westminster Christian Academy earned straight set victories over the Cats of 25-15 and 27-25. GHS then faced Fannin County for the second time this season and won the opening set, 25-21. FCHS responded by winning the next two by margins of 25-23 and 15-13.
“We have to keep improving our defense,” Huelsman said. “We realize we’re not an offensive power. We have to become better defensively. They’ve taken that challenge and are just playing. They’re playing some really great ball right now. We just need to find a way to finish. They’re definitely battle tested going into region. They’ve all been really tough teams.”
The Lady Cats are 1-10 on the season and traveled to Chestatee once again at Tuesday’s press deadline. GHS will head to Adairsville Thursday to begin region play at 5 p.m.