Gilmer High’s volleyball season came to a close at the region tournament.
The GHS Lady Cats were on the road for all three matches. First up was Wesleyan, who defeated the Cats and sent them to the consolation bracket. Gilmer was able to take down West Hall, and with a state spot on the line, Lumpkin County ended the Cats’ season.
All three tournament matches were decided by a 2-0 margin.
Gilmer head coach Maria Huelsman shuffled the lineup and replaced three players with a trio who had spent the season with the junior varsity.
Huelsman noted the Cats played Wesleyan evenly through the early stages of the first set, but a Wolves’ timeout helped stifle Gilmer’s momentum.
Wesleyan won the match by scores of 25-15 and 25-10. The Lady Cats defeated West Hall but scores were not available.
“After the time out, it all went downhill against Wesleyan,” Huelsman said. “Versus West Hall, they didn’t play down (to their level). They came out and played like they should have played. We had some really good kills and they struggled with our serving. They just didn’t have an answer for us.”
Lumpkin’s victory came by scores of 25-12 and 25-17.
Lady Cat senior Anneliese Vaughan and sophomore Maddie Usry were named to the all-region second team and recognized at the tournament.
“They had a good tournament and had a good showing for the most part,” Huelsman said. “I was really proud of them. To make second team amongst those in our region, that’s pretty good.”
GHS finished with a 4-31 overall record, and Huelsman discussed the Cats’ offseason plans.
“I saw a lot of improvement in their physical game, but their mental game still needs improvement. They have a lot to learn,” she said.
“We’re going to get back to the basics during the spring before tryouts, and there will be things I’ll have them doing in the gym. Obviously, I can’t coach them (in the spring), but we’ll have things they can come in and do. Over the summer, we’ll hit it hard fundamentally and go from there. Hopefully, we get stronger in the weight room as well.”