The Gilmer High Lady Cats clawed their way past the Ridgeland Panthers for their first region volleyball win of the season.
GHS secured its 25-14, 25-20 victory last Thursday with a strong hitting performance, and Lilyan Cook hammered home eight kills. Both Caylee Elrod and Madison Bradshaw had five apiece, and Kiana Jones added four kills. Setter Jace Sanderson kept the offense flowing with 18 assists.
Aliza Chastain scored three aces and led the way with 11 digs. Elrod had four digs, and Sanderson, Maddie Usry and Alyssa Hughes tallied three.
Gilmer started the day against Heritage, and the host Generals won both sets, 25-5. The Cats were limited to four kills and one ace, compared to 23 and 10, respectively, versus Ridgeland.
GHS made its way to Gordon Lee Saturday and lost four matches in two sets.
Gilmer fell to Mt. Bethel Christian Academy (25-11, 25-20) and Union County (25-21, 25-14). Tennessee’s Silverdale Academy (25-13, 25-11) and Rhea County (25-21, 25-19) also defeated GHS.
The Lady Cats have played 25 matches this season and earned two wins. They have a 1-5 region record and were in Whitfield County at press deadline. GHS will head to Rome High School Thursday with matches beginning at 5 p.m.