After opening the volleyball seasons last Monday, Gilmer High varsity players are now in quarantine.
They are set to return to practice this week and will be required to wear masks.
Before they were sidelined, the Lady Cats traveled to Dawson County for the Mountain Madness Opener. Along with the host Tigers, Pickens and Fannin County high schools were also in attendance and the Cats posted a 1-2 record.
However, before they even arrived at the gym, GHS had to adjust its game plan.
“On the way, I got a phone call saying because of a glitch, I would have one player ineligible to play,” head coach Donna Parks said.
“So, we had to come up with an alternate offensive and defensive rotation from the one we had practiced all along. It was stressful but the girls were up to be flexible and we pulled together to adjust.
“I am so proud of all of them. Although we struggled with our serving for some reason, they all played together very well.”
Gilmer defeated Fannin in the opening set 25-20 and 25-18 in the third with a 25-19 loss in set two. Elly Callihan was Gilmer’s top hitter with 10 kills, and Adrian Thompson provided nine assists. Callihan also led GHS with five digs while Taylor McCormick had four and Dacey Attebery and Libby Pike had two apiece.
Dawson earned its victory over GHS in straight sets 25-17 and 25-14. Callihan posted seven digs and all were assisted by Thompson. Callihan also tallied three aces and three digs. McCormick had three digs as well.
Pickens snagged a win in two sets (25-21 and 25-22) versus the Cats.
Kadie Weaver provided five kills and Callihan totaled four more. Thompson was the assist leader once again with 10. McCormick led GHS with 10 digs, Callihan had six and Thompson had five.
The varsity Cats’ match versus Pickens this week was postponed, and a makeup date has not been set.
“Let’s hope that’s all we have to miss,” Parks said.
The C-team Cats will be at home Wednesday with matches beginning at 5 p.m.